Jagdeo hears grievances of Chinese nationals- immigration issues dominate discussions

As expected, immigration issues dominated discussions at the International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, when President Bharrat Jagdeo met with close to 400 Chinese nationals on December 3.

The meeting was held in response to a request from the Chinese Association of Guyana, members of which felt that an audience with the president was necessary to address a number of longstanding issues, including citizenship and work permits.

Many Chinese nationals had claimed that they were finding it difficult to acquire citizenship and work permits, or renewal of the latter.

Some called for respect from the Guyanese population, and claimed that they were being harassed by authorities, who often demanded money from them.

President Jagdeo noted that he agreed to the meeting for many reasons, but wanted Chinese nationals to know, firstly, that they are welcome in Guyana. “Chinese people have been an important part of our history. If you go back to 150 years, they came and made a very valuable contribution to our society over the century and a half here. They must be able to enjoy a stay that is free of discrimination or harassment”, the president said.

The head of state also made it clear that Chinese nationals living legally and continuously in Guyana for no less than seven years will automatically qualify for citizenship, while the duration of a work permit will be three years. This announcement was met with loud applause. 

The Guyana Citizenship Act, which was amended in 1998, states that an applicant must have resided in Guyana for 12 months immediately prior to making an application for citizenship, in addition to having resided in Guyana for five out of the last seven preceding years before the 12- month period. The authorized minister may allow certain exceptions concerning specified residency requirements and time periods.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s work permit policy is that a work permit is good for the duration of an expatriate’s contract, or for a maximum of three years, whichever comes first. “Chinese people who come to work and are issued with work permits, it will automatically be for three years,” the head of state declared.

The president, however, emphasized that persons must respect the law of the land in order to enjoy these privileges. The president noted that he is aware of some of the problems faced by the Chinese community, and has assured them of his government’s commitment to resolving the issues. He noted that Guyanese also leave for greener pastures, and would not want to be harassed in other countries.

“We have a duty to welcome the Chinese people in this country. We have to work within this government to ensure that the process becomes easier for people who want to do things lawfully,” the president added.

On the issue of Chinese persons being discriminated against, the president noted that there is a worrying tendency among sections of the Guyanese community where some people have developed xenophobia. “I don’t want you to believe that this is the official policy of the government,” President Jagdeo told the audience.

The Chinese community was encouraged to integrate into society, while preserving their culture.

They were also encouraged to learn English; to ensure that persons employed by them are respected, whatever their origins; and to also ensure that Chinese children are given schooling, whether in Chinese or in English.

The meeting, which was also attended by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee; members of the Chinese diplomatic community; and Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Committee (ERC), Bishop Juan Edghill, received an overwhelming response from the Chinese population.

Chinese nationals, who number some 7,770, came to the meeting from various places, including Berbice, Essequibo, Linden and various parts of the interior. Chinese nationals have successfully penetrated the hospitality, agriculture and forestry sectors of Guyana.