Palau gained independence from the US in 1994. (AFP: The Pew Charitable Trusts / Matt Rand) Photo: AFP / The Pew Charitable Trusts / Matt Rand
Palau's Senate has voted in changes to block the transfer of third-country nationals deported from the United States.
This follows an announcement last month that President Surangel Whipps Jr agreed to a deal with the US to take up to 75 deportees.
The bill halts implementation of that deal and sets the stage for a national referendum on the issue.
Supporters said the legislation changes were necessary to prevent the deal from taking effect without adequate legal and humanitarian protections in place.
Island Times reported the Palau National Congress (Olbiil Era Kelulau) sat for a rare three-day session to advance and pass a bill to introduce sweeping amendments to the country's immigration laws.
The amendments prohibit the entry, residence, employment or long-term stay of individuals removed by foreign governments.
The bill also prevents humanitarian resettlement, refugee protection or relocation based on an inability to return to another country.
But several lawmakers said the measure was a temporary stop, rather than a permanent rejection. Senator Brian Melairei said the bill "only intends to stop the agreement while leadership fully reviews the pact with the US".
Senator Salvador Tellames noted Palau is not a party to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and lacks a comprehensive legal framework to manage such cases.
Opponents raised concerns about the bill's framing, with Senator Mason Whipps arguing the legislation unfairly singled out the United States.
He said some sections explicitly reference US authorities while others apply to all foreign governments.
Also opposing the bill, Senator Eldebechel warned that once enacted, the law could foreclose future discussion on accepting deportees or asylum seekers, suggesting they wait for the proposed national referendum.
The bill passed its third and final reading by a 12-3 vote.
Senators agreed that Palau's citizens should have the final say on the deal, and passed another bill which calls for a national referendum.
