Emad El-Tarabulsi, the acting Interior Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity, announced on Monday the repatriation of 10,069 migrants in the past year, with plans to potentially increase this number. The announcement was part of a session focused on border management and reducing irregular migration.
El-Tarabulsi emphasized the need for a unified national strategy to tackle the migration issue, revealing plans for a technical task force to address this challenge. He outlined the ministry’s efforts in launching security campaigns to combat human trafficking and enhance border security, including the activation of electronic surveillance and support for Border Guard forces.
Furthermore, the minister discussed coordination with the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General to create employment opportunities for migrants in Libya, noting the issuance of 400,000 official work permits to migrants from various nationalities.
This initiative reflects Libya’s broader strategy to manage migration flows amidst the country’s ongoing political instability since the 2011 uprising. The government’s approach combines security measures with legal and humanitarian responses, aiming to address both the symptoms and root causes of irregular migration.
The significant number of repatriations highlights the extensive migration through Libya and the government’s efforts to control it, balancing security concerns with the protection of migrants’ rights. The establishment of a task force and the development of a unified strategy signify a move towards a more coordinated and humane migration management system in Libya.
