Monrovia, en.SERU.co.id — Twenty people deported from the United States arrived in Liberia on Thursday, marking the start of an agreement under which the West African nation will accept up to 1,200 third-country nationals over the next year.
The group arrived at Roberts International Airport outside Monrovia. Liberian Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah said the arrivals include nationals from Africa, North America, South America and the Caribbean.
In a statement issued earlier this week, Liberia said the transferred people are medically authorized to travel and that some may wish to seek asylum in the country.
Justice Minister Natu Oswald Tweh said most of the individuals had committed immigration-related violations. They will be received as guests and will remain free to leave Liberia or apply for asylum if they choose.
Liberia Says Deal Is Not a Payment Arrangement
Liberia’s government said the agreement “is not a transaction with a quid pro quo” and that it has not demanded or received compensation in exchange for accepting the deportees.
Officials said Liberia will receive support to manage the program and strengthen its migration system. Reports have also said the United States agreed to extend visitor visas for Liberians from 12 to 36 months and pledged about $124 million in assistance.
Part of Wider U.S. Deportation Policy
The Liberia agreement is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to arrange third-country transfers for people who cannot be returned directly to their countries of origin.
Several African countries, including Rwanda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have been reported to have accepted or discussed similar arrangements.
Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the policy, particularly when people are transferred to countries where they have no previous ties. Critics have also questioned the transparency and conditions surrounding some of the agreements.
Liberia’s government has defended its participation by pointing to the country’s history of providing refuge to people fleeing persecution, conflict and instability.
The first 20 arrivals are expected to be followed by additional transfers under the agreement, which allows for up to 1,200 people to enter Liberia over the next year.
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Liberia to Accept 1,200 Deportees From US, First 20 Arrive Thursday
