By Staff Reporter
MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia has confirmed an arrangement with the United States to receive up to 1,200 third country nationals being transferred from the United States over a one-year period, describing the initiative as humanitarian and consistent with Liberia’s longstanding tradition of providing refuge to people fleeing persecution, conflict and other crises.
Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah made the disclosure Tuesday, August 18, 2026, saying the arrangement is based on an exchange of notes between the governments of Liberia and the United States dated September 4 and September 10, 2025.
According to Piah, the first group of 20 individuals is expected to arrive in Liberia on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with preparations already underway for their reception at Roberts International Airport and their stay in the country.
The Minister said the individuals are third country nationals from African and Western Hemisphere countries who are medically authorized to travel. Some of those transferred could seek asylum in Liberia.
Piah sought to clarify the status of the individuals, emphasizing that those being transferred are not being brought to Liberia as criminals or persons facing prosecution under either United States or Liberian law.
“The Government wants to emphasize that those being brought to Liberia are not criminals and are not being prosecuted in any manner under United States or Liberian law,” Piah said.
He said the individuals will be received as guests of Liberia and should be treated with dignity and respect throughout their stay.
According to the Minister, those transferred will remain free to leave Liberia whenever they choose. Individuals who decide to make Liberia their permanent home will also have the opportunity to apply for asylum under Liberian law.
“The persons to be transferred from the United States of America to Liberia should therefore be accorded full Liberian hospitality whilst in Liberia, and shall remain free to depart the country when they so desire,” Piah said.
He added that the Liberian Government intends to provide the necessary support to those who wish to seek protection in the country and ensure their safety during their stay.
Liberia Denies Financial Exchange
Piah also rejected any suggestion that Liberia’s participation in the arrangement was based on a financial transaction or an exchange of favors between the two governments.
“The transfer of persons to Liberia is not a transaction with a quid pro quo,” he said.
The Minister stressed that Liberia has neither demanded nor received compensation or a promise of reward in exchange for accepting the individuals.
He said Liberia will receive support to help manage the program and strengthen its migration system more broadly.
Piah characterized Liberia’s decision as a humanitarian gesture rooted in the country’s historical experience as a refuge for people facing political persecution, war and other forms of conflict.
He pointed to Liberia’s unique history as Africa’s first independent republic and its origins as a settlement for freed Black people from the United States and elsewhere.
According to Piah, Liberia’s identity is closely linked to the concept of freedom, with the country’s name derived from the Latin word liber, meaning “free.”
Government Appeals for Hospitality
The Information Minister said Liberia’s history of providing refuge continued during periods of political upheaval and liberation struggles across Africa.
He cited Liberia’s role in providing a safe haven to African freedom fighters during the period of European colonialism, including former South African President Nelson Mandela, who, according to the statement, lived in Congo Town.
Piah argued that Liberia’s decision to accept the third country nationals is consistent with that history and reflects the country’s longstanding approach to welcoming people who cannot safely return to their countries of origin.
“As a country, we have always welcomed people who cannot return to their home of origin, and to reject these third country nationals would be acting against our best interest,” he said.
He said the government views the arrangement as an opportunity for Liberia to demonstrate its hospitality and goodwill while strengthening its migration management system.
The government has therefore called on Liberians and residents to treat the incoming individuals with courtesy and respect.
“The Government of Liberia calls on our citizens and residents to treat those being transferred to Liberia with due courtesy and to accord them our true African hospitality,” Piah said.
The first arrival of 20 individuals on August 20 will mark the beginning of an arrangement under which Liberia could receive up to 1,200 third country nationals from the United States within a year, according to the government.
The arrangement is expected to place Liberia’s migration and asylum systems under increased attention as authorities prepare to receive the first group and determine how individuals who wish to remain in the country will be processed under Liberian law.
