Liberia to launch biometric profiling for 140,600 undocumented migrants

The government of Liberia is launching a nationwide biometric profiling exercise targeting an estimated 140,600 undocumented migrants from Burkina Faso. Approved by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the initiative will be carried out by the National Identification Registry and the Liberia Immigration Service, alongside other relevant institutions.

The Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) confirmed that field operations will take place in Nimba, Grand Gedeh, River Gee, and Maryland counties. The project is expected to last 90 days, with the core biometric profiling phase scheduled for completion within 60 days.

LRRRC Executive Director Cllr. Jerror Cole Bangalu stated that the exercise aims to provide accurate data for national security planning, policymaking, humanitarian interventions, and diplomatic engagement. The move highlights significant challenges in Liberia’s migration management, as a large population has been living in the country without formal documentation.