On Tuesday, the Libyan Embassy in Paris has begun issuing passports to nationals residing in Europe.
In a statement, the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that “such a step aims to provide the necessary services and facilities to Libyan nationals abroad.”
It added that this comes within the framework of the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) endeavour to “provide services to citizens with ease and flexibility. Work will begin to install these state-of-the-art systems to issue passports for Libyan citizens residing abroad, through Libyan Embassies and Consulates.”
The ministry pointed out that cooperation took place between the MoFA and the Passports, Nationality and Foreigners Affairs Authority to provide the required equipment and technical knowledge to install passport stations.
The MoFA emphasized the need for work to resume in foreign embassies accredited to Libya, and to provide visa-granting services for Libyan citizens.
Notably, France’s Ambassador to Libya, Beatrice le Fraper du Hellen, confirmed that the French Embassy will work to facilitate the issuance of visas for Libyan nationals.
She also voiced her unwavering support for maintaining stability in Libya, noting the strong and historical bilateral relations. The Ambassador also praised efforts to maintain security across the country.
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, each backed by various militias and foreign governments.
The current stalemate grew out of the failure to hold elections in December, and the refusal of Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba to step down. In response, the country’s eastern-based Parliament appointed a rival Prime Minister, Fathi Bashagha, who has for months sought to install his government in Tripoli.