On Wednesday, the Libyan Government introduced significant measures to regulate foreign labour employment in the country. Ali Al-Abed, Minister of Labor and Rehabilitation at the Government of National Unity, confirmed the government’s intention to implement a “Private Sponsor” system. This system will have local companies serve as the official sponsors for foreign workers brought into Libya.
Al-Abed explained that this sponsorship system is a new procedure mandated by Clause 6 of Law No. 24 of 2023, “On Combating the Settlement of Foreigners in Libya.” This law is part of the government’s broader efforts to control the influx of foreign workers and ensure their legal and safe employment within the country.
The Minister noted that there is currently a 90-day grace period during which foreign workers residing in Libya must visit the nearest labor office to register their details. To facilitate this process, more than 130 offices have been established across the country. Additionally, foreign workers can register their information through the “Wafid” digital platform, an electronic application designed for this purpose.
Al-Abed emphasized that the objective of the new system is to hold Libyan companies and employers jointly responsible with the state for the safety and legal compliance of foreign workers. This includes ensuring the legal and health status of foreign workers and monitoring their locations.
Libya has long been a destination for foreign workers, particularly from neighboring African countries and beyond. These workers are often employed in various sectors, including construction, agriculture, and domestic work. However, the influx of foreign labor has presented challenges, including issues related to illegal immigration, exploitation, and lack of legal protection for workers.
The Libyan labor market has faced significant disruptions due to political instability and conflict over the past decade. As the country strives to rebuild its economy, the regulation of foreign labor has become a critical issue. Ensuring that foreign workers are legally registered and protected under Libyan law is essential for maintaining social stability and economic growth.
The “Private Sponsor” system is designed to create a structured and accountable framework for the employment of foreign workers. By designating local companies as official sponsors, the government aims to ensure that these companies take responsibility for the workers they employ. This includes ensuring that workers have the necessary legal documentation, are provided with safe working conditions, and have access to healthcare.
The implementation of this system is also expected to address the issue of illegal labor practices. By requiring foreign workers to register through official channels, the government can better monitor and control the labor market. This will help to prevent exploitation and improve the overall conditions for foreign workers in Libya.
