05/09/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Liberia Moves to Repatriate Stranded Nationals from Cambodia
MONROVIA, Liberia — September 5, 2026 — The Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating the safe and timely repatriation of Liberian nationals stranded in Cambodia, following renewed diplomatic engagements between Liberian officials, international organizations, and civil society actors.
The development follows a recent meeting between the Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Victims Support Initiative (LATSVSI) and Hon. Saywhar Nana Gbaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, during which the plight of Liberian nationals stranded in Cambodia was discussed.
During the meeting, Assistant Minister Gbaa confirmed that the Government of Liberia is working with relevant partners to facilitate the return of stranded Liberian nationals, with repatriation expected to take place soon.
Approximately 125 Liberians Await Repatriation
According to current statistics provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Cambodia, more than 3,000 African nationals remain in Cambodia awaiting assistance to return to their respective countries. Of this population, approximately 125 are Liberian nationals who are seeking assistance to return home.
The situation has generated concern among civil society organizations, particularly over the welfare and safety of Liberians who have remained in Cambodia while awaiting repatriation assistance.
Previous Repatriation Efforts
Efforts to assist Liberian nationals in Cambodia have already resulted in the return of several individuals. Between February and March 2026, IOM facilitated the repatriation of six Liberian nationals who were identified as having medical conditions requiring urgent attention.
In addition, Caratys facilitated the repatriation of three Liberian nationals. However, one of the three individuals remains pending departure and is expected to return to Liberia next month.
Diplomatic Mission Engages Cambodian Authorities
In a significant diplomatic intervention, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dispatched a two-member delegation from the Liberian Embassy in Beijing, China, to Cambodia to assess the situation and seek solutions for Liberian nationals awaiting repatriation.
The delegation held a general meeting with members of the Liberian community in Cambodia on August 24, 2026, and subsequently spent three days engaging with the Royal Government of Cambodia and relevant organizations, including IOM and Caratys.
The mission focused on assessing the circumstances facing Liberian nationals, identifying available assistance mechanisms, and coordinating efforts to facilitate their safe and timely return to Liberia. The delegation also engaged IOM and other international organizations to explore arrangements aimed at advancing the repatriation process.
LATSVSI Welcomes Government Intervention
The Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Victims Support Initiative (LATSVSI) has welcomed the intervention by the Government of Liberia, describing the diplomatic engagement as an important step toward addressing the plight of Liberian nationals stranded in Cambodia.
LATSVSI, however, is calling on the Government of Liberia to complement repatriation efforts with a sustained national awareness and prevention program aimed at protecting Liberians from trafficking, scams, deceptive recruitment practices, irregular migration, and other forms of exploitation.
The organization is urging the Government to provide adequate funding for public awareness campaigns, particularly targeting young people and prospective migrants who may be vulnerable to fraudulent overseas employment offers and trafficking networks.
According to LATSVSI, prevention must remain a central component of Liberia's response, as repatriating victims after they have been exploited is only one part of addressing the broader problem.
Continued International Cooperation Needed
The situation of Liberian nationals in Cambodia highlights the importance of continued coordination between the Government of Liberia, the Royal Government of Cambodia, IOM, Caratys, and other international and humanitarian partners.
LATSVSI says sustained diplomatic engagement, adequate logistical support, and timely intervention will be essential to ensuring that vulnerable Liberian nationals are able to return home safely and with dignity.
The organization further called for stronger mechanisms to monitor and regulate overseas recruitment and migration-related activities involving Liberian citizens.
LATSVSI said it will continue to advocate for the protection of Liberians affected by trafficking, scams, and exploitation while encouraging the Government to strengthen preventive measures to ensure that similar incidents do not recur.
The latest government intervention has provided renewed hope to the Liberian nationals awaiting repatriation in Cambodia, with authorities now working with international partners toward their eventual return home.
For Media Inquiries, Victim Support, or to Report a Case:
Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Victims Support Initiative (LATSVSI)
14th Street, Gibson Avenue, Monrovia, Montserrado County, Liberia
Hotline: 0881 824 711 / 0775 718 316
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Website: www.latsvsi.org
Facebook: Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Victims Support Initiative
PROTECTION • JUSTICE • DIGNITY
![OFFICIAL APPRECIATION MESSAGEFrom the Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Victims Support Initiative [LATSVSI]The leadersh...](https://img4.ngos1.com/929/614/122113757769296142.jpg)
