Liberia Agrees to Receive Up to 1,200 Persons From United States

The Government of Liberia has agreed to receive up to 1,200 persons from the United States within one year, under a migration arrangement between the two countries.

The first batch of 20 persons is expected to arrive in Liberia on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah, speaking at a press conference in Monrovia, said the arrangement is based on an exchange of notes between Liberia and the United States dated September 4 and September 10, 2025.

Piah said the individuals to be transferred will include nationals of African and Western Hemisphere countries who are medically authorized to travel, with some potentially choosing to seek asylum in Liberia.

“The government wants to emphasize that those being brought to Liberia are being received as guests of the Republic,” Piah said.

He said the government has made preparations for their reception at Roberts International Airport and their stay in Liberia.

Piah stressed that those transferred will be free to leave Liberia whenever they choose, while those who wish to remain will have the opportunity to apply for asylum under Liberian law.

“Any person being brought to Liberia who desires to make Liberia their home will be accorded the opportunity to apply for asylum in keeping with Liberian laws,” he said.

Piah said Liberia will provide the transferred persons with the necessary support to seek protection and remain safe during their stay, while also receiving support from the United States to manage the program and strengthen its migration system.

He defended the arrangement by pointing to Liberia’s history of providing refuge to people fleeing persecution, war and other forms of conflict.

“That period of hospitality we cannot easily forget as a nation and people,” Piah said, recalling Liberia’s own experience during the civil crisis when thousands of Liberians sought protection abroad.

He also cited Liberia’s historical role in providing a safe haven for African freedom fighters, including Nelson Mandela.

“Liberia therefore sees this arrangement as an opportunity to showcase Liberian hospitality and goodwill towards all, and we intend to maintain that tradition,” Piah said.

Government Says It Will Screen Those Arriving

Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh sought to assure the public that Liberia will conduct its own screening of the individuals before they enter the country.

He said the government will receive the manifest ahead of each arrival and conduct its own assessment.

“We have done our own vetting before each batch arrives,” Tweh said.

According to the Justice Minister, the government will have the opportunity to review the individuals before their arrival and reserves the right to reject anyone considered unsuitable.

“We have the right before they arrive to reject it — anybody who’s got no desire for our country,” Tweh said.

Tweh also disclosed that most of those expected under the arrangement are people who have committed immigration violations or offenses in the United States.

He further noted that Liberia is not the first African country to enter such an arrangement with the United States, saying similar agreements exist elsewhere on the continent.

Nyanti Links Deal to Migration Management

Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti placed the arrangement within Liberia’s broader migration-management efforts, saying the government is already working to strengthen the country’s migration system.

She said migration is an ongoing responsibility for Liberia and that the government has existing systems that can be used to manage the situation.

Nyanti emphasized the need to strengthen Liberia’s capacity to handle migration-related issues, particularly as the country continues to engage with international partners on migration.

The government maintains that the arrangement is humanitarian and consistent with Liberia’s longstanding tradition of offering refuge and protection.

Authorities are now preparing for the arrival of the first 20 individuals on Thursday, August 20, while calling on Liberians and residents to treat them with dignity and respect.