Iraq has completed arrangements to repatriate hundreds of its citizens from Libya through coordinated diplomatic and humanitarian efforts led by its embassy in Tripoli. The move comes as part of ongoing attempts to address the situation of Iraqi nationals stranded in Libya due to irregular migration routes and human smuggling networks.
Ahmed Al-Sahhaf, Chargé d’Affaires of the Iraqi Embassy in Libya, said the embassy finalized all legal, administrative, and logistical procedures for the return of a new group of 151 Iraqi citizens. He confirmed that humanitarian assistance was provided throughout the preparation and travel process to ensure a safe and organized return.
Al-Sahhaf explained that embassy teams verified the identities and nationality of the returnees, coordinated medical examinations with relevant health authorities, and issued temporary travel documents in accordance with Iraqi Foreign Ministry regulations and the principle of voluntary return. He stressed that the process was carried out with a focus on dignity, safety, and legal compliance.
The latest repatriation follows previous operations in which hundreds of Iraqi migrants were returned from Libya. In December, the embassy facilitated the return of 72 Iraqi nationals, most of them young men from the Kurdistan Region, including several minors under the age of 18. In October, Iraqi officials also identified 12 nationals who had entered Libya illegally, an incident that highlighted the growing activity of human trafficking and smuggling networks operating along migration routes.
Al-Sahhaf warned that many migrants endured harsh humanitarian conditions, noting that irregular migration exposes individuals, particularly young people, to serious risks including exploitation, abuse, and detention. He called for increased public awareness and urged Iraqi families and communities to discourage engagement with smuggling networks, emphasizing that prevention is a shared responsibility.
