On Friday, the Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency announced that 76 migrants of various nationalities have been transferred from Benghazi to the Qanfouda Shelter and Deportation Centre in Sirte in preparation for their repatriation.
The migrants hold passports from 14 different countries, including Nigeria, Niger, Eritrea, Somalia, Ethiopia, Algeria, Yemen, Ghana, Mali, Syria, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Morocco, and Congo, according to a statement issued by the agency.
Among them are individuals infected with contagious diseases such as hepatitis, as well as others who are subject to security restrictions and have been ordered to be deported by the public prosecution, the statement added.
Notably, the United Kingdom (UK) allocated £1 million ($1.3 million) to support the repatriation of Libyan migrants. This is part of its effort to address migration challenges in Libya and the wider region.
The UK Home Office announced the funding aims to enhance the protection of migrants in Libya. It aims to do so to tackle the root causes of irregular migration, and support the voluntary return of migrants to their countries of origin. This initiative comes in response to the increasing numbers of migrants journeying to Europe from North Africa, with the UK Home Office citing that over 150,000 migrants reached Italy by sea last year, many embarking from Libya.
Michael Tomlinson, the Immigration Minister, revealed the funding package after a recent visit to Libya. It highlights the UK’s commitment to collaborating with Libyan authorities to manage migration flows and protect vulnerable populations.
The announcement follows the UK’s introduction of new immigration rules intended to limit asylum claims and reduce overall migration numbers. The UK Home Secretary indicated plans to implement “strong measures” to manage immigration, including adjusting the salary threshold for the skilled worker visa.
In Libya, Emad El-Tarabulsi, the acting Interior Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), reported the repatriation of 10,069 migrants in the past year. He outlined efforts to increase this number through improved border management and anti-trafficking measures. El-Tarabulsi emphasised the development of a national strategy to address migration, including the creation of employment opportunities for migrants in Libya and the issuance of official work permits.
