Liberia to Receive Up to 1,200 Foreign Nationals From U.S.

Published: August 19, 2026

MONROVIA — Twenty people transferred from the United States are due to land at Roberts International Airport on Thursday, the first of up to 1,200 foreign nationals Liberia has agreed to take in over the next year under an agreement with Washington that bars the country from sending them home while their protection claims are pending.

Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah announced the arrivals Tuesday, Aug. 18, at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, saying arrangements have been made for the group’s reception at the airport and for their stay in the country.

The arrangement rests on an agreement reached through an exchange of diplomatic notes in Monrovia on Sept. 10, 2025. Under it, the United States may propose transferring third-country nationals who may seek protection from being returned to their home countries or countries of former habitual residence, and Liberia may accept or reject each proposed transfer.

Piah said those transferred will be medically cleared citizens or nationals of African and Western Hemisphere countries, some of whom may seek asylum in Liberia. He said they will be free to leave the country if they choose.

“However, any person brought to Liberia who wishes to make the country their home will be accorded the opportunity to apply for asylum in accordance with Liberian laws,” Piah said.

The government will provide support to those seeking protection and ensure their safety while they remain, Piah said, and Liberia will itself receive assistance under the arrangement.

“The government further notes that Liberia will receive support to manage the program and strengthen its migration system more broadly,” he said.

Piah described the country’s participation as humanitarian and grounded it in Liberia’s history of taking in people fleeing conflict.

“Liberia’s gesture is entirely humanitarian and is consistent with the country’s long-standing tradition of welcoming people in need of refuge,” Piah said. “As Africa’s first independent republic, Liberia has a long history of accepting people fleeing political and other crises.”

“The government emphasizes that those being transferred to Liberia will be received as guests of the Republic, in keeping with Liberia’s long-standing tradition of providing shelter to people seeking refuge and protection from persecution, wars, and other forms of conflict,” he said.

Rejecting the arrangement would not serve Liberia’s interest, the government said, calling the program an opportunity to show goodwill toward people seeking protection.

“The government accordingly calls on all citizens and residents to treat those being transferred to Liberia with due courtesy and to extend to them Liberia’s true African hospitality,” Piah said.