The first phase of a voluntary return program for Sudanese nationals in Libya is set to begin on May 1, according to the Sudanese Embassy in Tripoli, marking a coordinated effort to assist displaced individuals wishing to return to their home country.
The operation will depart from Mitiga International Airport using Afriqiyah Airways flights, with logistical support provided by the Government of National Unity. The initial phase is expected to include around 1,000 returnees, transported across six scheduled flights, each carrying approximately 166 passengers.
This initiative comes in response to the sharp increase in the number of Sudanese arrivals in Libya since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, nearly 560,000 Sudanese have entered Libya over the past two years, making it one of the largest displacement movements in the region.
Many of those displaced continue to face significant humanitarian challenges, particularly in accessing essential services. Limited documentation and the high cost of medical care have made it difficult for many Sudanese nationals to receive proper healthcare, leaving a large number without adequate support.
The voluntary return program aims to provide a safe and organized pathway for individuals who choose to go back, while also easing pressure on local services in Libya. Officials indicated that additional phases may be implemented depending on demand and available resources.
