The Government of Eswatini has facilitated the voluntary return of two Third Country Nationals who entered the Kingdom under a bilateral agreement with the United States, marking the first departures under ongoing repatriation
arrangements.
Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli confirmed in a statement that the two men, from Mauritania and the Democratic Republic of Congo, requested to go home to reunite with their families. Both have since departed.
The Mauritanian national arrived in July 2026 as part of the fourth group of TCNs received by Eswatini. 
Following his application for voluntary repatriation, the government processed the necessary travel arrangements.
He left the country on Saturday, August 15, 2026 and has since been returned to Mauritania.
A day later, on Sunday, August 16, 2026, a DRC national who was part of the third group also departed.
The government said his request to return to his country of origin was similarly facilitated.
The two individuals were among TCNs temporarily hosted in Eswatini under the existing arrangement with the US.
According to the statement, the repatriations form part of broader arrangements for TCNs currently residing in the Kingdom.
The statement said several other TCNs have already expressed interest in voluntary repatriation to reunite with family members in their home countries.
“The government is engaging with relevant authorities and partners to facilitate such requests in accordance with applicable arrangements and procedures,” the statement read.
The government reiterated that it remains committed to protecting the rights and well-being of all TCNs during their temporary stay in Eswatini.
At the same time, the statement said authorities are also safeguarding the security and interests of the Kingdom and its citizens as the process unfolds.
The bilateral arrangement with the United States has seen Eswatini receive TCNs in groups, with the government previously stating that hosting is temporary while durable solutions are pursued.
The statement said members of the public will be updated as more developments occur regarding repatriations and the status of remaining TCNs.
