-As GOL Seeks International Support
By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA – More than 60 Liberian nationals are still stranded in Cambodia without the financial means to return home, while over 100 others remain trapped in South Africa amid escalating anti-immigrant violence, Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah revealed on Tuesday.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press conference on June 9, 2026, Piah disclosed that the government is urgently seeking extended international support to facilitate the repatriation of its citizens.
“Many approved beneficiaries lack the financial means,” Piah said:
He noted that while 38 Liberians in Cambodia have received immigration waivers and authorization to depart, most cannot afford airfare. In February 2026, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) alerted Liberia’s Embassy in China about Liberians stranded in Cambodia. The embassy subsequently established contact with the affected individuals.
By March, approximately 100 stranded Liberians had been identified. Of these, about 17 were prepared for immediate migration, though negotiations between March and April yielded limited progress. On April 28, 2026, two Liberians with medical conditions were repatriated via Ethiopian Airlines.
A second batch of two returned on May 5, and on May 24, another Liberian self-funded his return.
Piah clarified that contrary to earlier reports, the stranded individuals are not detained. However, with IOM resources described as “limited,” roughly 60 Liberians remain in Cambodia awaiting assistance.
These individuals are predominantly victims of international job scams, where they were lured abroad with false promises of employment only to face exploitation, forced confinement, and difficult living conditions.Specific groups appealing for urgent repatriation include:
Over 100 Liberians were trapped after responding to what were marketed as legitimate job opportunities in Vietnam, only to have their phones and luggage confiscated and be transported into Cambodia. Following raids by Cambodian authorities, the victims were freed but remain largely homeless and without support.
South Africa Crisis Deepens
The situation in South Africa is even more precarious. According to Piah, the Liberian Embassy has documented 263 Liberian nationals in the country, nine of whom are unwell and require immediate repatriation.
Multiple African nations have launched mass voluntary repatriation programs to evacuate thousands of their citizens following an intense wave of anti-immigrant protests and localized vigilante violence targeting foreign nationals.
The escalation in anti-migrant sentiment is primarily driven by internal economic and political pressures. Local protesters accuse foreign nationals of aggravating South Africa’s high unemployment rate (which hovers around 30%) by competing for low-skilled jobs. Migrants are also frequently scapegoated for strained public services and local crime rates.
Vigilante and anti-immigration groups have intensified the crisis by setting an arbitrary deadline demanding that all undocumented foreigners leave the country. This ultimatum has sparked widespread fear of imminent, severe violence.Incidents on the Ground: Violence, door-to-door harassment, and intimidation have broken out in various areas. Coastal areas and townships, such as Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, have experienced fatal clashes and property destruction..
Minister Piah emphasized that the Liberian government is actively seeking extended support from international partners to ensure the safe return of all stranded citizens. He urged the public and potential donors to assist in efforts to bring Liberians home from both Colombia and South Africa.
