The Trump administration has reached an agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to take deported immigrants. The arrangement is set to begin this month.
“This initiative is established in accordance with the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo regarding the management of access to and residence of foreigners on its territory, and is part of its international and regional commitments regarding the protection of migrants’ rights,” the statement read.
“It also reflects the Congolese State’s unwavering commitment to human dignity and international solidarity. A country deeply affected by humanitarian realities and already hosting populations of diverse nationalities, the Democratic Republic of Congo remains committed to the values of hospitality and shared responsibility among nations.”
The statement added that the agreement is “not intended to become a mechanism for permanent settlement within the national territory,” and emphasized that “no automatic transfer is planned, and each situation will be individually assessed in accordance with the laws of the Republic and national security requirements.”
The DRC is the latest country to take deportees. Several other countries have also made arrangements to take migrants. Costa Rica has signed an initial agreement with the United States to accept deportees from other countries. A statement from the Costa Rican government reported by Reuters said the United States will “put forth the necessary financial support” for the endeavor.
Another country involved in migrant agreements is Kosovo, which agreed to take up to 50 migrants over a one-year period. “The government has expressed its readiness to participate, with the opportunity to select individuals from a proposed pool, provided they meet specific criteria related to the rule of law and public order,” the government said in a statement to Reuters. Discussing the Kosovo-U.S. relationship, the government said it holds U.S. support in “very high regard.”
