Libya’s Minister of Labour, Ali Al-Abed disputed the accuracy of the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) data on foreign workers in Libya, during an interview with the Italian news agency, Nova.
Al-Abed characterized the statistics as “inaccurate” and asserted that his ministry would provide more precise figures by early 2024.
According to the IOM, Libya hosts a significant number of foreign workers, including 175,132 Nigerians (25% of the total foreign population), 195,924 Egyptians (24%), 123,607 Chadians (18%), 30,095 Nigerians (4%), 14,783 Ghanaians, and 12,581 Malians (2%).
The Minister acknowledged several challenges, noting that Libya is “not just an origin but also a transit country for illegal migration.”
He highlighted the country’s significant role in managing this phenomenon, and suggested that Libya could contribute to investments supporting development in countries of origin, transit, and destination.
Al-Abed expressed the Ministry’s efforts to engage in discussions with the European Union, to encourage investments that would benefit both the source and destination countries.
He emphasized that Libya aims to play a crucial role in managing migration, and strives to contribute to investments that support development in countries of origin.
Al-Abed emphasised the strategic vision of the Ministry of Labour, indicating that Libya benefits from the organized employment of foreign workers due to the nation’s promising job market, and is capable of accommodating and integrating a large number of migrant workers.
He highlighted Libya’s potential to contribute positively to managing migration issues, and encouraged strategic investments to foster development across the region.
Last month, the IOM reported the interception and subsequent return of 662 migrants to Libya. This operation, conducted between 12-18 November, was disclosed in the IOM’s latest statistical update, emphasizing the ongoing migration crisis in the Mediterranean region.
The migrants, embarking on treacherous journeys in an attempt to reach European shores, encountered intensified patrol operations, which subsequently led to their return to Libya. This occurrence underscores the continual strife and despair experienced by migrants, often fleeing conflict, persecution, and economic hardship in their home countries.