DRC launches temporary reception plan for U.S-linked migrants
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced the implementation of a temporary reception mechanism for third-country nationals processed under United States(U.S.) migration mechanisms.
According to an official communique released Sunday, April 5, the initiative will begin this month within the framework of “jointly defined modalities” between Kinshasa and Washington.
The Ministry of Communication and Media stated that the move aligns with international commitments regarding the protection of migrants' rights and the Congolese commitment to “human dignity and international solidarity.”
The DRC government confirmed that the U.S. will lead the technical and logistical operations.
“The logistical and technical management of the mechanism will be provided by the American Government through structures specialized in the movement of people across the world,” noted in the statement.”
Financial concerns were also addressed.
“No financial burden will be borne by the public Treasury of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” The Ministry clarified.
Reception infrastructure has already been designated within the city-province of Kinshasa, according to the Ministry. These sites were selected to ensure “effective administrative, security, and humanitarian monitoring” of the individuals involved.
Authorities also emphasized on the temporary nature of the arrangement, asserting that the stay is not intended to become a permanent settlement mechanism on national territory. But there will be no automatic transfers.
“Each situation will be subject to an individual examination in accordance with the laws of the Republic and national security requirements,” the government confirmed in the statement.
Maintaining national authority remains a priority for the Ministry.
They reaffirmed that the DRC “retains full control over decisions relating to admission to its territory, conditions of stay, monitoring, withdrawal of temporary status and, if applicable, return or removal mechanisms for the persons concerned, in accordance with its legislation.”
The government reaffirms that this initiative constitutes neither a permanent relocation mechanism nor an externalization of migration policies.
“It is part of a controlled framework, conducted in respect of national sovereignty and internal security imperatives,” statement notes.
