The Ministry of Interior under Libya’s Government of National Unity announced on Sunday the voluntary repatriation of an unspecified number of irregular migrants to Egypt via the Musaid land border.
In a brief statement, the ministry highlighted that the move aligns with regional cooperation efforts to ensure the safe and legal return of migrants. No further details were provided about the operation.
Earlier this month, on January 3, Libya’s Anti-Illegal Immigration Authority reported the repatriation of 56 irregular Egyptian migrants through the same border crossing.
Since 2015, over 80,000 irregular migrants have been voluntarily returned from Libya to their home countries, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). These efforts are part of the Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme, which facilitates safe returns while providing post-arrival and reintegration support.
The IOM has facilitated repatriation for migrants from 49 nations across Africa and Asia, offering comprehensive assistance, including economic, psychological, and social reintegration services.
This latest repatriation underscores Libya’s ongoing commitment to addressing irregular migration while enhancing collaboration with neighbouring countries to manage migration challenges.