Libya Deports 176 Chadian Migrants from Kufra
In a statement, the department said that the deportation operation targeted individuals who were found to have legal violations, including those with security-related restrictions, those diagnosed with serious or contagious diseases, and others involved in cases of human smuggling and irregular migration.
This move is part of Libya's broader strategy to address the persistent challenges posed by irregular migration, especially in southern border regions like Kufra, which serve as key entry points for migrants attempting to reach northern Libya and, ultimately, Europe.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that over the past ten years, more than 100,000 migrants in Libya have been assisted in returning to their countries of origin across Africa and Asia.
The returnees include nationals from 49 countries, including Nigeria, Mali, Niger, and Bangladesh.
Among those repatriated since 2014, the majority—approximately 73,000—have been men. However, the IOM has also facilitated the return of around 17,000 women and over 10,000 children, many of whom were unaccompanied minors. These figures reflect the scale and human complexity of Libya's role as both a transit and host country for migrants fleeing conflict, poverty, and instability.
Currently, the IOM estimates that the number of migrants residing in Libya could exceed 800,000 by the end of 2025. As this number grows, Libyan authorities face increasing pressure to regulate migration flows, enforce immigration laws, and collaborate with international organizations to ensure humane treatment and safe returns for migrants.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libya Review
13 hours ago
- Libya Review
Greek Minister Accuses Libya of Directing Migrants Towards Greece
Greece's Minister of Justice, Giorgos Floridis, has accused the Libyan authorities of deliberately directing waves of migrants toward southern Greece, warning that the strategy mirrors past tactics used by Turkey at the Greek-Turkish border. Floridis said in recent remarks that 'Libya appears to be adopting Turkey's playbook by using migrants as tools of pressure against Greece.' He warned that this escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability and security in the eastern Mediterranean. According to the minister, Greek coastal and border authorities have recorded a sharp increase in irregular migration attempts originating from Libya's western coast, particularly toward the Peloponnese and other parts of southern Greece. 'These are not random incidents,' Floridis claimed. 'This is an organized and deliberate attempt to destabilize Greece and test European border defenses.' A Broader Trend of Political Exploitation The Justice Minister's remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Mediterranean region, where human smuggling networks are reportedly thriving due to weak governance and ongoing conflict in Libya. Floridis called for greater European Union coordination and support to address what he described as 'a hybrid threat involving the instrumentalization of human suffering.' He also reiterated that Greece 'will not be intimidated or manipulated' by such tactics and emphasized that the country will continue to defend its sovereignty and uphold international law. Greek officials have in the past blamed Turkey for similar actions, particularly during the 2020 migrant crisis when thousands of asylum seekers attempted to storm Greece's land and sea borders. Now, the same concerns are being raised about Libya. Tags: Giorgos FloridisGreecelibyamigrants
Libya Review
2 days ago
- Libya Review
ICC Welcomes Arrest of Libyan War Crimes Suspect Khaled El Hishri in Germany
The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has welcomed the arrest of Libyan national Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri in Germany on 16 July 2025. El Hishri, a senior official of the Special Deterrence Forces (Radaa), is accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity at Mitiga Prison between 2015 and 2020. In a statement, the ICC confirmed that German authorities carried out the arrest under a warrant issued by the Court's Pre-Trial Chamber I on 10 July 2025. The OTP filed its request for El Hishri's arrest in April 2025, citing allegations of murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence. The ICC noted that El Hishri played a leading role at Mitiga Prison, where thousands of detainees were held for prolonged periods under inhumane conditions. 'We look forward to his transfer to the ICC in due course,' the OTP said, adding that his arrest marks a significant step in the Court's efforts to secure accountability for crimes committed in Libya. The investigation into crimes at detention facilities in Libya remains a priority under the ICC's renewed strategy following UN Security Council resolution 1970 (2011). The Prosecutor's office highlighted that this arrest aligns with its objective to bring key suspects to trial in 2025. The OTP expressed gratitude to Libyan victims and witnesses for their courage and cooperation. 'Their strength and commitment make these developments possible,' the statement added. The ICC continues to pursue multiple lines of inquiry in Libya, focusing on serious human rights violations and war crimes. The Court reaffirmed its readiness to proceed with El Hishri's trial once he is transferred to The Hague. Tags: germanyiccKhaled El HishrilibyaWar Crimes
Libya Review
2 days ago
- Libya Review
Libya Concludes Workshop on Human Trafficking
The Libyan Center for Criminal Research and Training has concluded a specialized workshop on combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling, held in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The workshop was part of the National Initiative of the Public Prosecution Authority aimed at tackling transnational crimes, and was hosted at the Center's headquarters in Tripoli. Twenty prosecutors from the Office of the Attorney General participated in the training, alongside international experts from partner organizations. Discussions focused on irregular migration, the complexities of migrant smuggling networks, and human trafficking crimes — all analyzed from both national and international legal perspectives. Strengthening Prosecution and International Cooperation The sessions explored ways to enhance the role of the Public Prosecution Authority in prevention and protection, as well as developing mechanisms for international cooperation to prosecute offenders, dismantle smuggling networks, and ensure justice without impunity. The initiative also reaffirmed Libya's commitment to human rights and the rule of law, highlighting the importance of a unified national approach in line with global efforts to combat cross-border crimes. This workshop is part of ongoing efforts to build the legal and institutional capacity of Libyan authorities in dealing with complex crimes and ensuring victims are protected while perpetrators are held accountable. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: human traffickingIOMlibyaun
