The Libyan Government of National Unity (GNU) has issued a decision to exempt Palestinians from visa and residency fees. This move aims to support the Palestinian community in Libya during a time when the occupied territories are experiencing ongoing genocide by Israeli forces in Gaza.
The exemption is outlined in Decision No. 289 of 2024, which states: “Citizens of the State of Palestine are exempt from all fees related to visas and residency as specified in the executive regulations of Law No. 6 of 1978.”
In October 2023, Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba’s government announced additional support for Palestinians in Libya. This included granting basic pensions to Palestinians with disabilities, widows, and divorcees. Furthermore, the government pledged to continue providing monthly allowances to Palestinian students studying in Libyan universities and institutes.
Similarly, Osama Hammad, the rival Prime Minister, instructed institutions and ministries to “implement the decision granting Palestinians all rights enjoyed by Libyan citizens.”
These measures underscore Libya’s solidarity with the Palestinian people amidst the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The exemptions and benefits are intended to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by the Palestinian community residing in Libya.
The initiatives reflect the Libyan government’s commitment to supporting Palestinians by ensuring they have access to necessary resources and rights. This support comes at a critical time, as the Palestinian people continue to endure significant hardships due to the conflict.
In April, Libya’s Foreign Minister of the Parliament-designated government Abdulhadi Al-Hwaij, voiced Libya’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause during the International Forum on the Future of Palestine held in Rome, Italy.
Al-Hwaij’s participation came at the invitation of the Italian Resistance Front and was part of a gathering that included a wide array of international political, diplomatic, and academic figures, as well as media representatives from over twenty countries.
In an interview with Sputnik, Minister Al-Hwaij affirmed Libya’s steadfast position on Palestine, emphasizing the country’s consistent policy to treat Palestinians with the same rights as Libyan citizens.
He pointed to significant legislative measures, such as the Libyan House of Representatives’ decision to criminalize any interactions with the Zionist entity, illustrating Libya’s strong stance against normalization of relations with Israel.
Al-Hwaij highlighted Libya’s active role in the international arena, particularly its recent initiative urging the International Court of Justice to demand an immediate cessation of Israeli hostilities in Gaza and the West Bank.
