Palau has agreed to allow 75 third-country nationals deported from the United States to live and work in the island nation, according to an announcement from the office of President Surangel S. Whipps Jr.
The two countries have signed a memorandum of understanding stating that the deportees, who have never been charged with a crime, can help address local labor shortages in needed occupations.
Whipps said Palau is addressing the needs of people seeking safety and stability, as well as the serious migration pressures faced by the United States.
He said Palau will have to agree on the individuals on a case-by-case basis, and each person will be screened through Palau’s national working group. Whipps also said the government will continue open communication with the Palau’s lawmakers, traditional leaders, and the public as implementation proceeds.
As part of the deal, the United States granted $7.5 million to help Palau meet related public service and infrastructure needs, while both countries continue close cooperation on immigration and security matters.
In a Christmas Eve phone call with Whipps, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said the U.S. is committed to building a new Belau National Hospital.
There is an ongoing feasibility study for the new hospital with funds granted through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. The planned facility would serve veterans, U.S. military personnel, visitors, and citizens from Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia, which President Whipps called another “demonstration of our relationship.”
The U.S. also reiterated its commitment for improving Palau’s capacity to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, and pledged an additional $6 million, on top of a previously granted $20 million, to help Palau complete key reforms for the civil service pension system.
Palau’s Minister of State Gustav Aitaro and U.S. Ambassador to Palau H.E. Joel Ehrendreich signed the agreements Wednesday. During the signing ceremony, Whipps explained the background of the arrangement for third-party nationals.
In July, Whipps brought the U.S. request to to the Olbiil Era Kelulau and Rubekul Belau, and later met with Ehrendreich to address lawmakers’ concerns.
On Sept. 17, Landau met with national leaders and traditional chiefs, who recommended forming a working group. Whipps thanked those participants and, following their advice, convened a group of OEK, Rubekul Belau, Mechesil Belau, and state leaders to assess the benefits, risks, and community impacts of hosting third-country nationals making sure Palau’s security, culture, and long‑term development are protected.
Other initiatives focus on protecting borders, growing the economy, and countering transnational crime through cooperation on drug interdiction, law enforcement support, and maritime security.
The U.S. will fund new law enforcement initiatives in Palau at a cost of $2 million to address critical threats.
Calling it “an all‑out war on drugs,” Whipps said U.S. support will help Palau crack down on organized crime, strengthen customs and police, and “win together” while offering displaced nationals a safe place to live and work.