The General Authority for Hajj and Umrah Affairs in Libya announced on Thursday the safe arrival of the 11th group of Libyan pilgrims—this time including delegations from the eastern cities of Tobruk and Derna—to their residence in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
In a statement published via its official Facebook page, the Authority confirmed that the group has reached its designated accommodation and begun preparations for the Hajj rituals. Upon arrival, the pilgrims’ passports were collected by the Passports Committee and handed over to the dedicated Libyan service center in Mecca for safekeeping until the end of the pilgrimage season.
Earlier this week, the Authority had confirmed the arrival of the first group of Libyan pilgrims in Mecca, marking the official start of Libya’s Hajj season for 2025.
The phased arrival of Libyan pilgrims is being coordinated to ensure smooth logistics, safety, and efficient service delivery, with each group guided by support staff and religious supervisors provided by the Hajj and Umrah Authority.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
