The Libyan House of Representatives has officially established the “National Migration Observatory” as an independent state institution under Decision No. 87 of 2023, published in the official gazette on 29 June 2025.
The decision was signed by Speaker Aguila Saleh in Benghazi on 21 November 2023, based on Libya’s interim constitutional declaration and various migration-related laws.
The Observatory will operate as a legal entity with administrative and financial independence, reporting solely to the legislative authority.
Its headquarters will be in Tripoli, with official branches in Benghazi and Sebha. Additional offices may be opened by decision of the Board Chair.
The Board of Directors will be appointed by the Speaker of Parliament and will act as the National High Committee for Migration Strategy.
The board will elect a chair and a rapporteur, with the chair representing the institution locally and internationally.
The board will also appoint a secretary-general and spokesperson.
The Observatory’s duties include monitoring migration flows, implementing the national migration strategy, and coordinating with local and international partners.
It will oversee detention centres, repatriation processes, and agreements on migration. It is authorised to sign memorandums with foreign partners aligned with Libya’s migration policies.
The Observatory will build a national database of Libyans abroad, support their return, and track migration-related human rights issues.
It can issue legal reports, media statements, and recommendations on migration policy.
It is authorised to act against local and foreign violations of Libya’s migration laws.
Funding will come from the national budget, supplemented by approved donations. Financial operations will be subject to internal audits.
The Observatory will have its own media centre and website, and represent Libya at migration-related international events.
The decision took effect immediately upon its publication in the official gazette.
