Liberia has agreed to accept up to 1,200 people deported from the United States over the next year, in a major new development for President Joseph Boakai’s government.

Liberian authorities say the arrangement will involve people from Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean, rather than only Liberian nationals. The first group of about 20 deportees is expected to arrive in Liberia on Thursday.

The agreement places Liberia at the center of a controversial U.S. immigration policy involving the transfer of some deportees to countries other than their countries of origin.

Liberian Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah said those arriving will be received as guests. Officials have also indicated that the deportees can seek asylum in Liberia or choose to leave the country.

The decision could become an important political and diplomatic issue for the Boakai administration, particularly as questions emerge over Liberia’s responsibilities toward the incoming migrants and the support being provided to manage the program.

The Liberian government has emphasized its longstanding role in welcoming people displaced by conflict and said the arrangement will be managed through the country’s migration system.

The first arrivals are expected to provide an early test of how Liberia implements the agreement and responds to domestic and international scrutiny.