A Guinean migrant transferred to Eswatini under the United States’ third-country deportation programme has voluntarily returned home.
Acting government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said the migrant left the southern African kingdom on Friday and arrived in Guinea on Saturday after arrangements were made to facilitate his return.
His departure brings to 11 the number of third-country nationals repatriated from Eswatini since the kingdom began cooperating with the United States on the programme in July 2025, according to the government.
“The Government continues to work closely with relevant national authorities and international partners to facilitate the safe, orderly and dignified return of Third Country Nationals to their respective countries of origin,” Mdluli said.
The programme is part of the immigration enforcement policy pursued by US President Donald Trump’s administration, under which certain migrants are deported to third countries when returning them directly to their countries of origin is difficult or delayed by diplomatic, logistical or legal obstacles.
The arrangement has attracted criticism from human rights organisations and immigration advocates, who argue that migrants are being transferred to countries with which they have no prior connection and where access to legal protections and support services may be limited.
Eswatini is among a small number of countries that have agreed to temporarily host migrants deported by the United States while arrangements are made for their eventual return to their home countries.
However, the Eswatini government maintains that the process is conducted in accordance with applicable laws and procedures, with due regard for the rights and welfare of the migrants.
Mdluli said “authorities remained committed to working with relevant governments and international partners to ensure that the necessary arrangements were in place for the safe onward travel of those involved.”
The government has not disclosed how many third-country nationals remain in Eswatini under the programme but said it would continue to provide updates on significant developments.
AP
