Liberia to Receive Up to 1,200 Third-Country Nationals From US

August 19, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Liberia will accept up to 1,200 third-country nationals transferred from the United States over the next year under an arrangement between the two governments, with the first group of 20 people due to arrive in the country on August 20.

The Liberian government said the transfers are being carried out under an agreement based on an exchange of diplomatic notes between Liberia and the US on September 4 and September 10, 2025.

The people being transferred are nationals of African and Western Hemisphere countries who are being removed from the US and have been medically cleared to travel. Some may seek asylum in Liberia, according to the Liberian government.

The first 20 people are scheduled to arrive at Roberts International Airport on Thursday, August 20, 2026. The government said preparations had been made for their reception and accommodation.

Liberia said those transferred under the arrangement are not being sent to the country as criminals and will not face prosecution under either US or Liberian law.

The government said they will be received as guests and will remain free to leave Liberia if they choose. Those who wish to remain in the country will be able to apply for asylum under Liberian law.

Liberia also said it would provide support to help the transferred people seek protection and remain safe during their stay.

The government stressed that the arrangement does not involve a financial exchange for accepting the individuals. It said Liberia had neither requested nor received compensation or a promise of reward in return for participating in the programme, although it will receive support to manage the arrangement and strengthen its migration system.

The government linked the decision to Liberia’s history of providing refuge to people displaced by political crises, conflict and persecution.

Liberia, Africa’s first independent republic, was founded in the 19th century as a settlement for freed Black people from the United States and elsewhere. The government said the country has continued to receive people unable to return safely to their countries of origin.

Liberian authorities called on citizens and residents to treat the transferred people with courtesy and hospitality.

The arrangement comes as the US expands efforts to transfer some migrants and other third-country nationals to countries outside their countries of origin.

Source: FSX Business News