Eswatini has repatriated two foreign nationals who arrived in the kingdom under the United States’ controversial “third country removals” inmates programme, acting government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said Tuesday.
“The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini informs the public that two Third Country Nationals (TCNs) who arrived in the Kingdom as part of the third and fourth groups under the existing bilateral arrangement with the Government of the United States of America have since been voluntarily repatriated to their respective countries of origin,” Mdluli said in a statement.
She said one of the nationals, from Mauritania, arrived in July 2026 and requested to return home to reunite with his family.
“Following his request for voluntary repatriation and his expressed desire to reunite with his family, the Government facilitated the necessary arrangements to enable his return home,” Mdluli said.
The individual has since been repatriated to Mauritania and is expected to reunite with his family, having departed on 15 August.
A national of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who was part of the third group, also left voluntarily.
“He departed the Kingdom on Sunday, 16 August 2026, following his request to return to his country of origin and reunite with his family,” Mdluli said.
The US “third country removals” programme involves transferring migrants and asylum seekers to partner countries willing to host them temporarily or process their claims.
Critics argue the policy externalises America’s migration responsibilities and places vulnerable individuals in nations with limited capacity to provide protection.
Supporters say it helps manage irregular migration flows and strengthens bilateral cooperation.
JN/APA