On Wednesday, Libya’s Directorate for Combatting Illegal Migration (DCIM) announced the deportation of 136 Bangladeshi migrants, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The migrants departed on a flight from Benghazi International Airport to Dhaka International Airport.
The collaboration between the DCIM and the IOM aims to address the challenges posed by illegal migration, and facilitate the return of migrants to their home countries.
On Tuesday, the DCIM announced the repatriation of close to 1,000 migrants who entered the country illegally, back to Egypt and Nigeria.
According to the Unit’s official, Colonel Mohammed Bredi’a, two trips were conducted, the first was a flight from Tripoli to Nigeria. The second involved migrants, predominantly Egyptian nationals, travelling by land to the Imssad border crossing.
A total of 964 migrants were deported, including 664 Egyptians and 300 Nigerians, as reported by Bredi’a.
Hundreds of migrants, including women and children, dressed in distinctive black and white uniforms, lined up before being transported to large halls where they were provided with water and basic personal supplies in small bags. Subsequently, they were transported by buses to Mitiga International Airport, and the Imssad crossing.
Libya, divided between competing authorities in the east and west, has become a focal point for tens of thousands of migrants seeking to reach Europe.
Many migrants attempt the journey to Europe through Libyan territory, risking their lives. However, thousands have been living in Libya illegally for years, working in agriculture, construction, and trade, especially around the capital.
The IOM reports that data collected between May and June 2023 indicates the presence of over 700,000 migrants in Libya.