Guyana maintains Tier 1 ranking in 2026 US trafficking report

Guyana has maintained its Tier 1 ranking in the United States Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, with the country recognised for fully meeting the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking and sustaining efforts to prosecute offenders, strengthen victim protection and prevent exploitation.

The report highlights several measures undertaken by the Government of Guyana during the reporting period, including the prosecution of alleged traffickers, training for law enforcement and judicial officials, the establishment of a transition home for trafficking victims and public awareness initiatives targeting vulnerable communities.

Guyana’s Tier 1 status reflects the country’s continued compliance with the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking in persons, placing it among countries whose governments fully meet those requirements.

Among the key developments was the continued application of the Combating Trafficking of Persons Act of 2023, which strengthened the legislative framework by increasing penalties for trafficking offences, extending criminal liability to corporations and expanding the definition of trafficking to cover additional forms of exploitation.

The legislation prescribes penalties ranging from five years to life imprisonment, providing for stringent punishment for persons convicted of trafficking-related offences.

During 2025, the government initiated 16 trafficking investigations, prosecuted four suspects and secured one conviction for sex trafficking, resulting in a prison sentence of at least 48 months. Authorities also detained a trafficker who had been convicted in absentia during the previous reporting period.

The report also recognised efforts to improve the capacity of officials to identify and respond to trafficking cases. Police officers, judges, immigration officers and other officials received training in identifying indicators of trafficking, conducting victim-centred and trauma-informed investigations, protecting victims, interviewing potential victims and handling evidence.

In July 2025, the government completed construction of a 30-person transition home to accommodate trafficking victims during a voluntary 10-day reflection period, providing an opportunity for them to access support without being subjected to law enforcement interrogations during that time.

The government also continued to provide shelter, healthcare, counselling, legal assistance and repatriation support, both directly and through partnerships with civil society organisations.

The report recorded 390 trafficking victims identified in 2025, including 15 Guyanese nationals and 375 foreign nationals. Victims came from countries including Venezuela, Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, India and Colombia.

In addition, four foreign trafficking victims were granted work permits, providing them with a legal alternative to removal in circumstances where they could face retribution or hardship. The government also provided victim-witness assistance, including legal counselling, transportation and preparation for court proceedings, while victims were permitted to give evidence through video or pre-recorded statements.

Guyana’s prevention efforts were another area highlighted in the report. The government maintained its interagency anti-trafficking task force and continued to use its 2021–2025 National Action Plan to guide activities while initiating consultations on a new plan.

Public awareness initiatives targeted groups and communities considered vulnerable to trafficking, including hotel operators, miners, Indigenous community leaders, policing groups, private security firms and schools.

Authorities also operated three anti-trafficking hotlines, including two for English speakers and one for Spanish speakers. These recorded 15 reports of alleged trafficking during the reporting period. In July 2025, a QR code reporting system was introduced to make it easier for members of the public to report suspected cases.

The government also pursued measures to reduce demand for commercial sexual exploitation by educating workers in the extractive and hotel industries about the illegality of commercial sex.

Another significant development was the government’s response to concerns about the labour conditions of Cuban workers affiliated with the Cuban regime. The report noted that Guyanese authorities sought to establish fair labour conditions and address forced labour concerns. Following the end of the bilateral health cooperation agreement by the Cuban regime in early 2026, Guyana offered workers remaining in the country direct employment and protection. Approximately 110 Cuban workers stayed in Guyana, while the others returned to Cuba.

The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning also conducted inspections at worksites, including projects employing Chinese nationals, as part of efforts to address labour-related concerns.

While acknowledging these developments, the report identified areas requiring further attention, including strengthening investigations, improving victim identification and referrals, increasing resources for protection and prevention, and improving oversight of recruitment agencies and labour practices.

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