Kathmandu— Liberia has agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the United States, with the first group of 20 expected to arrive in the coming days, according to Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah. The individuals being deported originate from a variety of nations including countries across Africa, North and South America, and the Caribbean. The agreement, made public in March 2026, ensures that asylum seekers and others needing protection will be able to remain in Liberia if deported there. This deal represents the largest number of deportees accepted by any country under arrangements established by the previous U.S. administration.

Terms of the Agreement

Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah emphasized that those arriving from the United States would be considered “guests of the Republic” and free to leave Liberia at their discretion. The agreement between Liberia and the U.S., initially entered into in 2025, outlines the conditions for accepting these third-country nationals.

Broader Deportation Practices

According to Refugees International and Human Rights First, the Trump administration reached agreements with at least 35 countries regarding the acceptance of third-country deportees. As of early August 2026, approximately 22,000 people have been sent by the U.S. to 26 countries from which they did not originate.

Incentives and Legal Challenges

The United States reportedly offered incentives to Liberia for agreeing to accept deportees, including an extension of visa validity for Liberian citizens—from 12 to 36 months—and a commitment of $124 million towards the country’s health services. The agreement is currently facing legal challenges in U.S. courts, with several lawsuits contesting its legality.

The arrival of the first group of deportees is anticipated shortly, and Liberia maintains that these individuals will be treated as guests with the freedom to depart.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.