Liberia Set to Receive First 20 Third-Country Asylum Seekers From U.S.

Monrovia — The Government of Liberia says the first group of 20 individuals being transferred from the United States under a bilateral arrangement will arrive in Liberia on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

By Webster Clayeh

Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah confirmed Tuesday, August 18, that preparations had been completed at Roberts International Airport to receive the group, with arrangements also in place to accommodate and support them during their stay.

The arrival is part of an agreement between Liberia and the United States to relocate third-country nationals seeking asylum.

Piah said the individuals would be received as guests of the Republic of Liberia, emphasizing the country’s long-standing tradition of providing refuge to people fleeing conflict, war and persecution.

“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.

Under the arrangement, individuals who wish to remain permanently in Liberia will have the opportunity to apply for asylum in accordance with Liberian law.

Piah, however, clarified that while the Liberian government will provide essential support to help protect the individuals and facilitate their stay, institutional and financial assistance required to administer the arrangement and strengthen Liberia’s broader migration system will come directly from the U.S. government.

He said the government’s decision is guided by humanitarian considerations and urged Liberians to extend the country’s traditional hospitality to the incoming group.

The government’s announcement comes as Liberia prepares to receive the first arrivals under an arrangement that places the country at the center of a U.S.-Liberia effort to provide temporary protection and potential asylum pathways for third-country nationals.