The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has announced the deportation of 478 irregular migrants from Libya over the course of one week, as part of ongoing voluntary return operations coordinated across several Libyan cities.
In a statement, the IOM said 138 migrants were returned from Tripoli to Bamako, while 340 migrants were deported from Misrata and Benghazi to Lagos. The organisation noted that its personnel accompanied the migrants throughout the process to ensure the returns were carried out in a safe and humane manner, with logistical support provided by European countries.
The latest operation reflects continued international efforts to manage irregular migration flows through Libya, which remains a key transit hub for migrants seeking to reach Europe via the Mediterranean.
Separately, Libya’s Anti-Illegal Immigration Authority recently confirmed the deportation of 30 Egyptian migrants from the Al-Bayda detention centre. The group was repatriated to Egypt via the Emsaad land crossing after completing the required legal procedures.
According to the authority, four of those deported were women detained on charges of begging, while the remaining individuals were subject to removal orders issued by the Public Prosecution.
Libyan authorities and international partners have intensified coordination in recent months to organise voluntary returns and deportations, amid ongoing concerns about migration routes, detention conditions, and regional border management.