Libyan Minister of Labour and Rehabilitation in the Government of National Unity (GNU), Ali Al-Abed, emphasised that the only solution to curbing irregular migration is to support political and economic stability in African countries. He suggested that the European Union should establish factories and companies in Africa instead of Southeast Asia.
In an interview with Al Jazeera Net, Al-Abed highlighted that Libya’s ongoing political division has exacerbated the issue of irregular migration to Europe. He attributed this to the open borders and lawlessness in certain parts of the country.
Al-Abed pointed out that Libya should not be seen as Europe’s border guard. He criticised the EU’s support for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in North Africa, arguing that these NGOs lack the necessary data, programs, and tools to prevent the migration of thousands of Africans.
He called on the EU to provide logistical and technical support to North African governments to help patrol borders and coastal areas. He stressed the importance of building migrant shelters and providing essential health and food services until migrants can be returned to their countries.
“Libya is the gateway to Africa on the southern Mediterranean, with the longest coastline at about 2,000 kilometres. It borders six African countries and is the closest point from the sea to the Sahara. This makes Libya the nearest transit point for African migrants heading to Europe,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the head of the European Union Border Assistance Mission in Libya, Jan Vyčítal, reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to cooperating with Libya in addressing migration, organised crime, and terrorism.
Speaking at a press conference following the conclusion of a visit by the European Commission delegation, Vyčítal expressed the EU’s readiness to support Libyan authorities in achieving these shared objectives.
He highlighted that their visit to Libya would help convey the views of Libyan authorities to the European Commission in Brussels, noting the close cooperation between both sides.
Earlier this month, the International Organization for Migration (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.”
“This initiative has provided a critical lifeline for stranded migrants from over 49 different nationalities across Africa and Asia who wish to return home and rebuild their lives.”
