Latest news with #CentralMediterranean
Libya Review
4 days ago
- General
- Libya Review
IOM: 100,000 Migrants Returned Home from Libya Since 2015
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has announced a major milestone, revealing that more than 100,000 migrants have voluntarily returned home from Libya since 2015 under its Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme. The figure highlights a decade of IOM's efforts to support migrants stranded across Libya in unsafe conditions, providing them with a safe and dignified way to return to their home countries. According to IOM, migrants returned to 49 countries across Africa and Asia, including Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Bangladesh and The Gambia. Of the total, nearly 73,000 were men, around 17,000 were women, and over 10,000 were children—many of them unaccompanied. Nicoletta Giordano, Chief of Mission at IOM Libya, said the programme remains essential amid high protection risks and limited legal migration pathways. 'VHR offers a crucial, life-saving option for those who wish to return home,' she said. The VHR programme provides comprehensive support before departure and after return, including travel document assistance, health checks, psychosocial support, and reintegration help. IOM stressed that all returns are voluntary and based on informed consent, even when options are limited. The organisation uses strong monitoring and evaluation tools to ensure accountability and improve assistance. Just last week, IOM arranged five return flights—from Benghazi, Sebha, and Misrata—demonstrating the broad reach of the programme. Among those helped are John and Temnaia, a Nigerian couple who met in Libya. After the birth of their daughter, they struggled to find opportunities for her future. 'We didn't see a future for her here,' John said, underscoring the importance of the VHR route. While IOM continues to support voluntary returns, it remains concerned about the risks facing migrants along the Central Mediterranean route. Tags: ImmigrationIOMlibyamigrantsVHR
Libya Review
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya Deports 130 Egyptian Migrants
Libya's Anti-Illegal Migration Authority has deported 130 Egyptian nationals through the Emsaed land border crossing, as part of an ongoing campaign to curb irregular migration and enhance border security. In an official statement, the authority explained that the deportation aligns with national security efforts aimed at reducing the phenomenon of illegal immigration and tackling the unregulated presence of foreign nationals within Libyan territory. Of the deported group, 87 migrants had been intercepted while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. Six others were referred for deportation by the Public Prosecution, while the remaining individuals were apprehended during routine security operations carried out by the authority's branch in Tobruk. The Anti-Illegal Migration Authority reaffirmed its commitment to reinforcing border control and contributing to broader efforts to maintain national security and public order. This latest deportation underscores Libya's role as a key transit hub on the Central Mediterranean migration route, and the government's renewed push to coordinate with neighbouring countries to manage migration flows more effectively. 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: Egypteuropelibyamigrantstobruk
