THE United States (U.S) Embassy in Guyana has reminded non-immigrant Guyanese in the U.S that, although the coronavirus pandemic may have prevented their departure, they must file for an extension of stay to prevent a tarnished record.

In a message on social media, the Embassy stated: “Some non-immigrants may be forced to remain in the United States beyond their authorized period of stay because of travel restrictions stemming from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. If visa holders anticipate that they will be in the U.S. beyond their authorized period of stay, they should file for an extension of their stay through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by following the instructions at https://www.uscis.gov/i-539. Lengthy stays in the United States on a visitor visa, and failure to request a timely extension of stay can affect your continued eligibility for a visitor visa.”

Presently, the government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is preparing to accept the re-entry of scores of Guyanese from North America. The first flight of these individuals is projected for the second week in June.

The number of stranded Guyanese is said to be in the hundreds and some have written Letters to the Editor of daily newspapers detailing their plight. Some stated that they have to rely on family and friends for financial survival while others stated that they have left very young or old and even pregnant loved ones in Guyana who they need to return to.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s ban on international travel took effect on March 18, 2020 and was extended on different occasions as cases of the virus still prevail both locally and internationally.

With the ban, exception has been given to outgoing flights; cargo flights; medevac flight; technical stops by airplanes for fuel and special authorised flights.

Currently, the country is examining a four-phase plan for the re-opening of its ports to travel. However, when it comes to locations such as the U.S. where the virus has spread widely, killing over 100,000, it could be months before scheduled flights to the U.S from Guyana and vice versa are authorised.