New data from the Mixed Migration Centre, affiliated with the United Nations migration agency, revealed a 25% decrease in migrant departures from Libya towards Europe during the first quarter of 2025.
Despite the drop, Libya remains a key departure point for migrants. The report noted that 9,168 migrants arrived in Italy between January and March 2025, with 93% (around 8,500 individuals) departing from Libyan shores.
Interestingly, while fewer are reaching Europe, the number of irregular migrants and refugees residing inside Libya has risen sharply. The figures show a noticeable increase in Sudanese refugees, especially after the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023. Around 256,000 Sudanese refugees have entered Libya since then.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 88,283 refugees were registered in Libya, marking a 12% increase compared to the last quarter of 2024. Sudanese nationals make up the majority at 75%, followed by Nigeriens at 23%, Egyptians at 20%, Chadians at 10%, and Nigerians at 4%.
Migration routes from eastern Libya towards Greece have also witnessed a significant revival during early 2025.
According to the Displacement Tracking Matrix, the migrant population in Libya reached approximately 824,131 by December 2024, a 17% rise from the previous year. Most migrants (53%) are based in western Libya, with 34% in the east and 13% in the south.
Meanwhile, the report highlighted EU cooperation with Tunisia to manage migration flows. However, it noted that the European Union is reassessing its relations with Tunisia after reports of human rights violations against migrants by Tunisian security forces, as exposed by The Guardian.
Despite fewer departures, Libya remains a crucial hub for migrants, while internal migrant numbers continue to grow steadily.
