Migrant population in Libya rises to 858,000 amid Sudan conflict
BY Libyan Express May 23, 2025 - 06:38 Updated: May 23, 2025 - 06:38 Migrants and refugees sit on a rubber boat before being rescued by a ship run by Maltese NGO Moas and Italian Red Cross off the Libyan coast | Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images
Libya hosted more than 858,000 migrants in the first two months of 2025, representing a 4% increase from December 2024 figures, according to new data from the International Organisation for Migration.
The latest Displacement Tracking Matrix report shows the migrant population has grown from 824,131 at the end of last year, driven largely by people fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Sudanese nationals now comprise the largest group at 31% of all migrants, followed by those from Niger (22%), Egypt (20%) and Chad (10%). These four countries account for 83% of Libya's migrant population, which includes people from 46 different nationalities.
Men make up 78% of migrants, with women and children representing 22% of the total.
The western region of Libya hosts just over half of all migrants (52%), attracted by employment opportunities in construction and manufacturing. The eastern region accommodates 35% of the migrant population.
The capital Tripoli hosts 15% of all migrants, whilst the coastal cities of Misurata and Benghazi each accommodate 10%.
The report highlights severe humanitarian challenges facing migrant communities. More than three-quarters (76%) lack access to healthcare, primarily due to high costs and poor service quality.
Educational barriers affect migrant children particularly severely, with 65% of school-age children not attending classes. The IOM cited economic hardship, lack of documentation, poor social integration and language barriers as the main obstacles.
The increase in migrant numbers comes as Libya continues to serve as both a destination and transit country for people seeking better economic opportunities or fleeing conflict in other parts of Africa and the Middle East. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
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