British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, announced in Georgetown on Tuesday that the visa requirement for Guyanese to visit the United Kingdom has been lifted indefinitely.
It allows a Guyanese visitor to stay in the UK for six months, from November. Miller noted that typical visa requirements for work, study and settlement have not been altered.
Guyana has been able to secure a series of new waivers for travel to countries, as interest grows in Guyana’s oil-fuelled development trajectory.
President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali appeared alongside Miller during a press conference at her residence.
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He said that a lot of work went into securing the waiver; and urged Guyanese to be responsible as they capitalise on this new advantage. Miller stressed that in making the decision, the British government is demonstrating the confidence it has in the Guyanese people.
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) had called for the visa requirement to be removed, in August. Following the announcement, the Chamber welcomed the decision in a statement. It said it is confident now that more than ever that visa-free travel will foster deepened economic relations and promote private sector development for both countries.
US oil major ExxonMobil has made over 30 discoveries offshore Guyana since 2015, amounting to around 11 billion barrels of oil-equivalent. Production started in December 2019. Multiple projects will see the South American country becoming the second-largest producer in South America by the end of the decade.
