The first group of 20 individuals deported from the United States has arrived in Liberia, marking the beginning of an arrangement under which the West African country will temporarily receive certain deportees who would otherwise be returned directly to their countries of origin.
The group arrived Thursday through Roberts International Airport on the first deportation flight under the arrangement between Liberia and the United States.
Liberia’s Information Minister said the deportees are expected to come mainly from Latin American countries, including Cuba, Venezuela and Colombia.
The Liberian Government had previously announced that the country is expected to receive approximately 1,200 people deported from the United States. Cubans, Venezuelans and Colombians are among those expected to be transferred to Liberia under the agreement.
According to Liberian authorities, the individuals will be received and processed upon arrival. The arrangement is intended to provide them with temporary safe haven while Liberia and the United States implement the agreement and strengthen bilateral cooperation and relations.
The arrival of the first 20 people represents the initial phase of the arrangement, with additional deportees expected to arrive in subsequent groups.
The development has drawn attention because the individuals are being transferred to Liberia rather than being sent directly back to their countries of origin.
Further details about the duration of their stay, their legal status in Liberia and the arrangements governing their temporary residence are expected to emerge as the process continues.
Credit: TRT Africa
