A Guinean national who was among foreign migrants sent to Eswatini under the United States’ third-country repatriation programme has voluntarily returned to his home country, the Eswatini government said on Monday.
Acting government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said the migrant left Eswatini on Friday and arrived in Guinea on Saturday after arrangements were made to facilitate his return.
The latest 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 stems from a controversial immigration policy pursued under US President Donald Trump that deports certain migrants to third countries when direct repatriation to their home nations proves difficult or is delayed by diplomatic, logistical or legal obstacles.
The policy has attracted criticism from human rights groups and immigration advocates who argue that migrants are being transferred to countries with which they had no prior connection and where legal protections and support systems might be limited.
Eswatini is among a small number of countries that agreed to temporarily host some deportees while arrangements were made for their onward return to their countries of origin.
The Mbabane authorities maintain that the process is conducted in accordance with applicable laws and procedures and with due regard for the rights and welfare of those involved.
Mdluli said authorities remained committed to ensuring that all necessary arrangements were in place to support the safe onward travel of migrants participating in the programme.
The government has not disclosed how many third-country nationals remain in Eswatini under the arrangement but said it would continue to provide updates on significant developments relating to the programme.
JN/APA