Guyana is reviewing its legal and regulatory framework governing immigration, citizenship and property ownership, with the Government considering tighter controls on the acquisition of citizenship and greater scrutiny of non-citizens seeking to own land or property.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall disclosed the review Tuesday during his programme “Issues in the News,” saying it is being conducted by the Attorney General’s Chambers in collaboration with the Ministries of Labour and Manpower Planning, Home Affairs, and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Nandlall said parts of Guyana’s citizenship framework are constitutionally protected and cannot be altered through ordinary legislation. Other provisions, however, are being examined for possible legislative changes.
“The objective is to restrict acquisition of Guyanese citizenship, to put checks and balance in place, to regulate with greater scrutiny the granting of citizenship, and to regulate land ownership or property ownership in respect of non-citizens of Guyana,” he said.
The proposed review comes as Guyana experiences rapid economic expansion and increased foreign investment, particularly in the oil and gas sector, bringing greater attention to immigration, citizenship, employment and property ownership.
Nandlall said the process will involve consultation with stakeholders, noting that organisations have already raised concerns with the Government and pressed for changes.
“Obviously, it will be a consultative process,” he said.
The Attorney General also outlined two other major reviews being undertaken as part of the Government’s legislative agenda, including a comprehensive examination of Guyana’s labour laws.
According to Nandlall, Justice Deborah Thomas-Felix, former President of the Industrial Court of Trinidad and Tobago, is working with an International Labour Organization expert to examine the existing labour framework, identify gaps and produce recommendations that could result in legislative changes.
Consultations are being conducted with government ministries and agencies, the private sector and civil society.
A separate review is examining Guyana’s occupational health and safety regulatory framework, with Nandlall describing the exercise as particularly important as new industries and emerging economic sectors expand.
“This is crucial to ensure the safety of our workers, in particular in areas in the new and emerging sectors in our country, where we have little or no relevant regulatory framework.”
The citizenship and property review could have implications for non-citizens seeking to establish long-term ties to Guyana, particularly if Parliament is asked to introduce tighter statutory requirements.
Nandlall did not provide a timetable for completion of the immigration and citizenship review or specify what legislative amendments may eventually be proposed. He stressed that the process would be subject to consultation before any changes are pursued.
