A fourth flight carrying non-citizen deportees from the United States has arrived in Eswatini, marking the latest phase of a controversial immigration policy that transfers migrants to third countries rather than returning them directly to their countries of origin.
The latest flight landed on Wednesday with 11 deportees on board, according to reports. While authorities have not publicly identified those transferred, legal advocates claim that at least two individuals were subject to legal protections that should have prevented their removal from the United States.
The deportees are not citizens of Eswatini and reportedly have no significant family, cultural or historical ties to the southern African kingdom.
Third-Country Nationals Sent to Southern Africa
Those transferred under the agreement originate from several countries around the world rather than Eswatini itself.
Previous deportation flights have reportedly included nationals from countries such as Cambodia, Cuba, Jamaica, Somalia, Tanzania and Vietnam.
Instead of being returned directly to their home countries, the individuals are sent to Eswatini while authorities pursue further immigration arrangements.
The policy has drawn criticism from immigration lawyers and human rights organisations, who argue that relocating vulnerable migrants to countries where they have no established connections raises significant legal and humanitarian concerns.
Policy Reflects Shift in US Immigration Strategy
The deportation programme reflects a significant change in how the United States approaches certain immigration cases.
Under long-standing international legal principles, countries are generally prohibited from returning asylum seekers or other protected individuals to places where they may face persecution, torture or other serious harm.
The current policy instead relies on transferring some migrants to third countries that have agreed to receive them.
Supporters of the approach argue that the policy complies with US law because the individuals are not being deported directly to the countries where they claim to face danger.
Critics, however, contend that the practice undermines the spirit of international refugee protections and shifts responsibility onto countries that are not connected to the migrants’ original claims.
US–Eswatini Agreement at Centre of Debate
The transfers form part of a bilateral agreement between the United States and Eswatini.
According to reports, Eswatini received approximately US$5.1 million to strengthen its border management and migration infrastructure.
In return, the kingdom agreed to receive up to 160 third-country nationals while arrangements for their future removal or relocation are considered.
The agreement has generated debate among political analysts, with some suggesting that smaller nations can face considerable diplomatic and economic pressure when negotiating with major global powers.
Deportees Reportedly Held in Correctional Facility
Reports indicate that deportees are transferred to the Matsapha Correctional Complex upon arrival in Eswatini.
Authorities have not announced how long the individuals will remain there or what long-term arrangements will be made regarding their status.
Human rights advocates continue to call for greater transparency about detention conditions, legal processes and the future of those transferred under the agreement.
International Scrutiny Continues
The deportation programme has become part of a broader international debate over migration management, refugee protection and the growing use of third-country agreements.
Supporters argue that such arrangements help governments enforce immigration laws and manage border security.
Opponents maintain that the policy raises complex legal, ethical and humanitarian questions, particularly where individuals may have existing legal protections or limited connections to the countries receiving them.
As additional transfers remain possible under the agreement, the policy is expected to face continued scrutiny from courts, legal organisations and international human rights groups.
