Libya’s Interior Ministry at the Parliament-designated government announced the deportation of more than 37,000 irregular migrants during 2025 as part of a voluntary return program.
The figures were disclosed in an annual report prepared by the Anti-Illegal Migration Agency and reviewed during a security meeting held on Monday.
According to the ministry’s Security Media Office, Interior Minister Major General Essam Abu Zriba met with the head of the Anti-Illegal Migration Agency, Major General Salah Al-Khafifi, to evaluate migration-control efforts and review the agency’s performance over the past year.
The ministry stated that the deportations were conducted within the framework of voluntary return, following the completion of legal, administrative, and security procedures.
Officials said the operations were implemented in coordination with relevant authorities and in line with approved humanitarian standards, ensuring migrants were returned safely to their countries of origin.
During the meeting, Abu Zriba reviewed the agency’s operational plan for 2026, focusing on deportation mechanisms, detention management, and coordination between security bodies. He stressed the importance of maintaining compliance with humanitarian regulations while addressing the security challenges posed by irregular migration.
The interior minister praised the efforts of the Anti-Illegal Migration Agency, describing the migration file as a top security priority. He emphasized that Libya’s geographic location and porous borders, particularly in the south, continue to place heavy pressure on state institutions, making migration control a complex and ongoing challenge.
Abu Zriba also called for enhancing field performance, strengthening coordination among security agencies, and improving logistical and technical support for migration units. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at regulating the presence of undocumented migrants and preserving national security.
Libya remains one of the main transit routes for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking to reach Europe.
