Libya’s First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Fawzi Al-Nuwairi, met with Chairman of the National Migration Observatory, Masoud Abdel Samad, along with other board members.
The meeting focused on illegal migration, evaluating current policies and measures to combat it, and discussing future strategies.
He affirmed the continuous efforts to address the issue, considering its impact on security, stability, and the economy in Libya, as well as its effect on international relations and Libya’s stance with destination countries for migrants.
The discussion also covered the challenges faced by the Observatory in performing its duties, assessing the current state of the Observatory, and the availability of necessary resources for its operations.
Libya continues to be a major transit point for migrants and refugees fleeing conflict, persecution, and poverty in Africa and the Middle East. Despite the dangers of crossing the Mediterranean, many migrants embark on this perilous journey in hopes of reaching European shores and seeking a better life.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that between 19 and 25 May 2024, a total of 233 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya. This period saw intensified efforts by Libyan authorities to manage the flow of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe.
The migrants, hailing from various countries, were intercepted at sea by the Libyan Coast Guard and returned to detention centers in Libya. The IOM, in collaboration with local authorities, is providing essential humanitarian assistance to these individuals, including food, water, medical care, and shelter.
The IOM has repeatedly expressed concerns about the conditions in Libyan detention centers, where migrants often face overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and human rights abuses. The organization continues to call for international support to improve the living conditions and ensure the protection of migrants in Libya.
Earlier, the IOM announced that it has voluntarily repatriated 80,000 irregular migrants from Libya to their home countries. This initiative is part of the IOM’s voluntary return program.
According to a statement from the organization, “Since 2015, the IOM has assisted 80,000 migrants in returning safely and with dignity from Libya to their countries of origin through the Voluntary Humanitarian Return program.”
