On Thursday, a survey by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) revealed that at least 50% of Bangladeshi migrants in Libya entered the country via Turkey. This significant finding sheds light on the increasing number of Bangladeshi nationals seeking opportunities in Libya despite the ongoing political instability.
The report, titled “Bangladeshi Nationals in Libya,” released by the IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix, highlights that around 95% of Bangladeshi migrants left their homeland primarily for economic reasons, with 69% of them being unemployed before their migration.
The survey, conducted through interviews with 405 Bangladeshi workers in Libya in 2023, shows an increase in the number of Bangladeshi migrants residing in Libya in 2024 compared to 2021. In 2021, there were 20,351 Bangladeshi residents in Libya, which increased to 21,134 by June 2024.
The survey estimates that 11% of these migrants intend to continue their journey to another country, while half of the respondents expressed their intention to remain in Libya. A smaller number indicated they had no specific goal (28%) or planned to return home (10%).
Many Bangladeshi migrants attempt to cross the Mediterranean illegally, with Italy being the most common destination, followed by Malta, Greece, Cyprus, Spain, and several Eastern and Central European countries.
According to the report, 98% of Bangladeshi migrants in Libya are male, with only 2% being female. They are primarily employed in construction, cleaning, and the hospitality industry, including cafes and restaurants.
The data shows that at least 50% of Bangladeshi workers enter Libya through Turkey. About 12% go directly to Libya, while 8% arrive via the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. In 2023, approximately 1,668 Bangladeshi migrants were intercepted while attempting to cross the Mediterranean and were returned to Libya, marking a 63% decrease compared to 2022, when 4,451 individuals were intercepted.
Libya’s demand for labor in sectors such as construction, cleaning, and hospitality continues to attract Bangladeshi workers despite the country’s political instability and economic challenges. The route through Turkey has become a popular choice due to its geographical advantages and established networks facilitating migration.
