The effects of independence, state formation and migration policies on Guyanese migration

Using a historical approach, this paper examines the evolution of Guyanese migration from the 1950s
until the 2010s. It explores the role of the Guyanese state in migration, the effect of independence and
the establishment of a border regime on migration, with a particular focus on how political decisions
and socio-economic policies have affected the timing, volume, composition and direction of migration
in the post-independence period. After elaborating a new conceptual framework, the paper analyses the
role of the Guyanese state across three broad historical phases: from the early 1950s to independence
in 1966; from independence to the gradual political and economic opening of Guyana in 1985; and from
1986 to the present. The paper finds that the uncertainties generated by Britain’s introduction of its
Immigration Act in 1962 and Guyana’s independence in 1966 led to two initial increases in emigration
in the 1961-1962 and in 1965-66 periods. The Guyanese state’s support of 'cooperative socialism' and
its authoritarian stance until the mid-1980s then promoted large emigration, which gradually included
all classes and ethnic groups. At the same time, British and North American migration policies cause
the partial redirection of migration towards the US and Canada. The importance of family re-unification
and skilled migration channels explain on one hand, how entire Guyanese families have emigrated,
while on the other hand, how Guyana is one of the top ten countries for skilled migrants. This paper
shows the importance of shifting beyond the ‘receiving country’ bias by considering the important role
of origin country states in migration processes.