Sierra Leone’s Cabinet has approved a new agreement aimed at managing the reception and temporary hosting of migrants under the Third Country National Arrangement (TCNA), a move that signals a broader effort to strengthen diplomatic and operational ties with the United States.

The initiative, developed in partnership with the U.S. Government, will see Sierra Leone provide structured humanitarian support to migrants and returnees, including third-country nationals. Authorities say the programme is designed as a time-bound intervention focused on dignity, safety, and adherence to international humanitarian standards.

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, emphasized that the arrangement is not linked to any direct concessions from Washington, particularly ongoing visa restrictions affecting Sierra Leoneans.

“There’s no overt quid pro quo. The visa ban is the prerogative of the U.S. government and its internal policies,” Bah said, noting that Sierra Leone remains committed to improving bilateral relations through multiple areas of cooperation.

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Under the agreement, Kenvah Solutions (SL) Limited has been contracted to deliver key services, including reception support, temporary accommodation, and humanitarian assistance for individuals covered by the programme. The initiative is backed by a US$1.5 million grant from the United States and will be coordinated across relevant government ministries and agencies.

Cabinet underscored the importance of establishing a strong legal and operational framework, with clear inter-agency coordination and monitoring mechanisms to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

While the government maintains that the arrangement is purely humanitarian, earlier remarks by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timothy Musa Kabba, suggest the discussions form part of wider diplomatic engagements with the United States.

Kabba had indicated that Washington requested Sierra Leone’s consideration in accepting third-country nationals, particularly from West Africa, within the framework of existing refugee laws. He also disclosed that at least 52 Sierra Leoneans are currently in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention awaiting deportation.

Government officials insist the TCNA programme represents one aspect of ongoing cooperation, aimed at ensuring that all returnees are received in a humane and organized manner while maintaining Sierra Leone’s international commitments.

As the arrangement takes shape, attention is expected to focus on how effectively the government balances humanitarian responsibilities with domestic concerns, while navigating the broader diplomatic landscape with the United States.