Monrovia, Liberia — Liberia has received the first group of people deported from the United States under a new arrangement that could see the West African country accept up to 1,200 deportees over the next year.
The first flight brought 20 people to Monrovia after leaving Louisiana and stopping in Dakar, Senegal.
The deportees are mostly expected to come from countries in Latin America, including Venezuela, Cuba and Colombia.
Liberian officials say the people will be treated as guests. They will also have the opportunity to seek asylum in Liberia or leave the country.
The United Nations refugee agency and the International Organization for Migration are expected to provide support as Liberia manages the programme.
The agreement has attracted international attention because it involves people being sent to a country that is not their country of origin.
Liberia says the arrangement fits with its history of providing refuge to displaced people. The country is also expected to receive $5 million from the United States to support migration management.
The arrival of the first group puts Liberia at the centre of a growing debate over US immigration policy and the role African countries are being asked to play in receiving deportees.
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