The Libyan Anti-Illegal Immigration Authority in the eastern city of Al-Marj has deported dozens of undocumented migrants, including several diagnosed with infectious diseases, as part of a recent series of operations targeting irregular migration.
According to a statement by the Authority, five Egyptian nationals were deported on 29 September 2025 through the Umsaad land crossing, with one of them found to be suffering from a contagious disease.
On 2 October 2025, another group of 12 Egyptian migrants was repatriated via the same crossing, including one case infected with hepatitis.
The latest operation took place on 8 October 2025, when 18 migrants of various nationalities were deported from the Al-Marj branch to the Qanfouda detention center, before being transferred to the Umsaad border crossing for repatriation. Among them were three individuals diagnosed with different infectious diseases and one confirmed case of HIV.
The Authority emphasized that these operations are part of ongoing efforts to combat irregular migration, protect public health, and ensure that individuals found to be carrying contagious diseases receive medical attention before being repatriated.
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.
