A Guinean migrant transferred to Eswatini under a United States deportation programme has voluntarily returned to his home country, according to the Eswatini government.
Acting government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said the migrant left Eswatini on Friday and arrived in Guinea on Saturday after authorities arranged his return.
His departure brings to 11 the number of third-country nationals repatriated from Eswatini since the kingdom began cooperating with the US programme in July 2025.
The initiative forms part of US President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policy, which includes transferring certain migrants to countries other than their countries of origin when direct deportation faces diplomatic, logistical or legal obstacles.
The arrangement has faced criticism from human rights organisations and immigration advocates. They have raised concerns about transferring migrants to countries with which they have no previous connection and the potential difficulties they may face accessing legal protection and support services.
Eswatini is among a small number of countries that have agreed to receive migrants deported by the United States while arrangements are made for their eventual return to their countries of origin.
The Eswatini government maintains that the process follows applicable laws and procedures and accounts for the rights and welfare of those involved.
Mdluli said authorities would continue working with relevant governments and international partners to facilitate safe and orderly returns.
The government has not disclosed how many third-country nationals remain in Eswatini under the programme. It said it would provide updates on significant developments.