Rwanda Agrees to Accept U.S.-Deported Migrants

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Rwanda has agreed to accept up to 250 migrants deported from the United States, following a new resettlement deal confirmed by Rwandan officials in June 2025. This move aligns Rwanda with other African countries, such as Eswatini and South Sudan, which have entered into similar migration arrangements with the U.S.

Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo confirmed that each deportation case would be reviewed on an individual basis. In a statement to Reuters, she said, “The migrants will not be detained in Rwanda. They will receive support to integrate into society, including housing, job training, and healthcare.”

The arrangement is said to be voluntary for those deported, with Rwanda maintaining the authority to reject individuals not meeting its criteria. The U.S. government is expected to provide financial assistance to support Rwanda’s resettlement efforts, though the terms and funding details have not been publicly disclosed.

This is not Rwanda’s first role in international resettlement programs. Since 2019, the country has worked alongside the UN to take in refugees from Libya. In 2022, Rwanda also entered into a high-profile migration agreement with the United Kingdom, signed under the UK’s Conservative leadership. Although the deal was later abandoned by the new Labour government, Rwanda retained over £300 million in funding linked to the initiative.

The U.S.-Rwanda deal has received mixed responses. Supporters argue it offers a workable solution for migrants who cannot be returned to their home countries due to diplomatic or security obstacles. Critics, including some international rights groups, have raised concerns about transparency and legal protections for those resettled in third countries.

The U.S. has faced increasing challenges in deporting individuals to countries that refuse repatriation. In response, American officials have been negotiating with nations willing to receive migrants under bilateral arrangements. Similar efforts involving South Sudan and Eswatini have previously drawn criticism, including allegations of inadequate legal access and harsh detention conditions.

Despite these concerns, Rwandan authorities say their focus is on reintegration and humane treatment. “We will treat all migrants with dignity and provide the necessary support for them to rebuild their lives,” Makolo said.

The first group of migrants is expected to arrive in Rwanda within the coming months. The deal signals a broader shift in U.S. deportation policy, particularly in cases where returning individuals directly to their home countries is no longer a viable option.