Twenty-four citizens of Uzbekistan have been returned from the US on a charter flight after being found to be residing in the country without legal status.

The flight was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen border security and enforce immigration laws. US officials thanked the Uzbek government for its cooperation in facilitating the repatriation process, The Caspian Post reports via Anhor.uz.

The deportees arrived at Tashkent International Airport on June 11. Authorities from both countries coordinated identity verification, travel documentation and transportation arrangements to ensure a safe return.

The latest repatriation follows earlier deportation flights this year. In January, 44 Uzbek citizens were returned from the US, while another 72 were repatriated in March.