Biometric System Enrolls 140K Migrants

The Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) has announced he enrollment of about 140,000 migrants, mainly the undocumented Burkinabes.

LRRRC is undertaking the exercise in collaboration with the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), and the National Identification Registry (NIR).

LRRRC Executive Director, Jeror Cole Bangalu, announced the initiative when appeared at the Center for the Exchange of Intellectual Opinion (CIEO) on Tuesday, October 13, in Monrovia.

Bangalu explained how the decision to document the migrants stemmed from some of them undocumented status, and their involvement in agricultural activities.

The registration process is expected to begin early next week, with Grand Gedeh County hosting over 80,000 migrants, River Gee County approximately 15,000, and Nimba County with more than 45,000 Burkinabes.

The exercise is projected to last for 90 days. Following the documentation, migrants will be required to pay for resident permits, which will enable them to continue their cocoa farming activities, a source of income for them.

Bangalu also proposed a budget of US$5 million to support migration-related activities.

He further noted that the government has been informed of potential risks, and is taking measures to assist affected citizens.

LRRRC is also collaborating with various partners to provide psychosocial support for vulnerable individuals, and facilitate their reintegration into society.

Bangalu emphasized the urgency to address the challenges posed by the influx of migrants, and the necessity of revising outdated migration laws.

He underscored the importance of protecting the rights of both migrants, and local communities, as well as ensure sustainable agricultural practices in protected forest areas.

This initiative represents a step to regularize the status of Burkinabe migrants, and address migration challenges.

Bangalu meanwhile, cautioned Liberians to watch out for scammers posing as facilitators of travel opportunities.