The government of Eswatini has successfully repatriated two Vietnamese nationals who were brought to the country in 2025. According to Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli, the two individuals left Eswatini on November 2, 2026, and arrived safely in Vietnam on November 3, 2026. This repatriation marks another development in the government's ongoing efforts to facilitate the voluntary return of third-country nationals to their countries of origin.
The two Vietnamese nationals were among the second batch of third-country nationals who arrived in Eswatini in 2025. Their departure was made possible through cooperation between the government and relevant partners. Mdluli expressed the government's appreciation to the stakeholders who assisted in facilitating the return of the two nationals. The repatriation was conducted safely and with respect for the individuals concerned.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to working with national authorities and international partners to facilitate the voluntary return of third-country nationals. The process will continue to take into account the rights, dignity, and well-being of the individuals involved. Since Eswatini entered into a bilateral arrangement with the United States in July 2025, a total of 11 third-country nationals have been repatriated to their countries of origin.
The repatriations form part of an arrangement under which Eswatini agreed to receive third-country nationals transferred from the United States while arrangements were made for their return to their countries of origin. The first group of five nationals arrived in July 2025, and one of them, a Jamaican national, was repatriated on September 21, 2025, after voluntarily requesting to return home.
In addition to the Vietnamese nationals, other third-country nationals have been repatriated from Eswatini. On October 23, 2026, a Guinean national departed Eswatini and arrived in his home country the following day. Earlier, on September 8, a Yemeni national departed, followed by a Belizean national on September 30, and a Laotian national on October 4.
The government has confirmed that the repatriations are part of an ongoing effort to facilitate the voluntary return of third-country nationals. The process is being carried out in cooperation with national authorities and international partners. The government has expressed its appreciation to the stakeholders who have assisted in facilitating the return of the nationals.
With the repatriation of the two Vietnamese nationals, the cumulative number of repatriations from Eswatini is now 13. The government will continue to work with national authorities and international partners to ensure the safe and dignified return of third-country nationals to their countries of origin.
Key points
- The government of Eswatini has repatriated two Vietnamese nationals under voluntary arrangements.
- The repatriations are part of an arrangement with the United States to receive third-country nationals.
- A total of 13 third-country nationals have been repatriated from Eswatini since July 2025.
