ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda — Antigua and Barbuda has released a proposed framework for dealing with a U.S. request to transfer certain third-country nationals removed from the United States, putting national sovereignty, security and parliamentary oversight at the centre of the negotiations.

The government published both the U.S. proposal and Antigua and Barbuda’s counter-proposal on September 28, stressing that no final agreement has been reached. The documents are also expected to be tabled in the House of Representatives by Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin.

Under the counter-proposal, Antigua and Barbuda would require prior written government approval for every individual transfer. The country is proposing a maximum of seven people in any three-month period, while retaining the right to reject individual cases.

Officials are also seeking criminal and security screening, health assessments, immigration checks and protection-claim reviews before any transfer. The government says the arrangement must protect Antigua and Barbuda’s laws, public finances, national security and national interests.

The issue is expected to remain a significant political and parliamentary debate, particularly as the government continues discussions with Washington over the proposed arrangement.