The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that Libya currently hosts 867,055 migrants, marking a 19% increase compared to 2024, when the total stood at 725,304.
The latest data, published Tuesday by the IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix, shows that 53% of migrants are concentrated in western Libya, 35% in the east, and 12% in the south.
According to the report, the majority of migrants originate from Sudan (33%), followed by Niger (22%), Egypt (19%), and Chad (10%).
The IOM noted that the actual number of migrants in Libya could be considerably higher, with local authorities and UN agencies estimating that the number of Sudanese refugees alone may exceed 800,000. Assessing the true scale of migration has become increasingly difficult due to reduced NGO operations in recent months.
The report highlighted intensified efforts by Libyan authorities in the east to curb migration flows toward Europe, noting a rise in deportations and detentions during the summer of 2025. Between July 1 and September 22, at least 1,102 Egyptians were repatriated, along with around 700 Sudanese in a single operation on July 18. Over 1,500 migrants were detained in workplace raids.
Recent migration trends show shifting patterns across North Africa, as enforcement measures and deteriorating conditions reshape traditional routes. The IOM suggested that fewer departures from Libya in recent months may reflect stricter security operations, especially along the eastern coast.
At the same time, the report pointed to growing cooperation between Italy and Turkey, which recently signed a new agreement to curb irregular migration from Libya through enhanced joint coast guard patrols, intelligence-sharing, and anti-smuggling training.
Despite a slight decline in overall departures from Libya, 88% of migrants arriving in Italy in 2025 departed from Libyan shores, totaling 49,799 arrivals. Meanwhile, arrivals from Libya to Crete, Greece, surged by 318%, reaching 13,059 during the first nine months of the year.
