BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE – Government has facilitated the voluntary repatriation of another Third Country National (TCN), with a Somali national successfully returning to his country of origin after requesting to reunite with his family.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said the Somali national departed the Kingdom on Sunday, August 23, 2026, and arrived safely in Somalia on the same day.
The repatriation follows the successful return of two other TCNs more than a week ago, as government continues to facilitate voluntary repatriation requests by nationals who wish to return to their countries of origin.
Mdluli said the Somali national was part of the fourth group of TCNs received in Eswatini under the bilateral agreement between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the United States of America.
According to the statement, the individual requested voluntary repatriation, expressing a desire to return to Somalia and reunite with his family.
“The Government facilitated the necessary arrangements to enable his return, and he departed the Kingdom on Sunday, 23 August 2026, arriving safely in Somalia on the same day,” said Mdluli.
The latest development marks another successful voluntary return under the TCN programme, which government has previously defended while maintaining that it is working within the applicable arrangements and procedures.
Government said it would continue engaging relevant authorities and partners to facilitate requests for voluntary repatriation by other Third Country Nationals.
“The Government continues to engage with relevant authorities and partners to facilitate requests for voluntary repatriation by Third Country Nationals, in accordance with applicable arrangements and procedures,” Mdluli said.
The statement did not disclose the identity of the Somali national or provide further details regarding the arrangements made for his journey.
Government has assured the public that it will continue providing updates on developments surrounding the TCNs.
“The public will be kept informed of any further developments in this regard,” Mdluli added.
The Somali national is the latest TCN to voluntarily leave the country and return home since the programme began.
Government’s statement indicated that voluntary repatriation remains one of the avenues being facilitated for TCNs who wish to return to their respective countries of origin, with authorities continuing to work with relevant partners to make the necessary arrangements.
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