Libya has deported dozens of undocumented migrants from its eastern region as authorities intensify efforts to enforce migration and residency laws amid continued pressure on border areas.
The eastern branch of the Anti-Illegal Migration Agency announced the deportation of 54 Sudanese nationals through Benina International Airport, stating that the operation was carried out in accordance with national regulations governing the presence of foreign nationals in the country. The agency said the deportations were coordinated with relevant security and administrative authorities to ensure compliance with legal procedures.
Officials described the move as part of a broader strategy aimed at regulating irregular migration, combating human trafficking networks, and strengthening border oversight. Eastern Libya has become a focal point for migration control operations, particularly as the country remains a key transit route for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking to reach Europe via the Mediterranean.
In related operations, the agency’s Kufra branch deported 140 Chadian nationals after completing legal and medical screenings. Authorities noted that some individuals were subject to security restrictions, while others required additional health checks due to infectious diseases.
Separately, 26 Egyptian migrants were deported through the Umm Saad land crossing, including 21 individuals who had received formal deportation orders from the public prosecution. Officials said the case reflects closer coordination between judicial authorities and migration enforcement agencies.
Libyan officials maintain that irregular migration poses serious security, economic, and public health challenges, particularly in border regions where state resources are limited. They argue that deportation campaigns are necessary to restore order and curb smuggling networks operating across the country.
However, humanitarian organizations continue to raise concerns about migrant safety and conditions, urging greater international cooperation and the development of legal migration pathways. They stress the need for balanced approaches that address both security priorities and humanitarian protections.
