The Libyan Minister of Labour in the Government of National Unity (GNU), Ali Al-Abed stressed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring a safe working environment for both national, and foreign workers.
This came during a meeting with the Gambian Minister of Transport, Labour, and Infrastructure, Ibrahima Silla, on the sidelines of the Sahel and Sahara Countries Labour Ministers Conference.
Al-Abed highlighted the launch of the digital migrant platform, to register foreign labour data. He reaffirmed the commitment to cooperation between the two countries.
In turn, Silla expressed his keenness to strengthen fruitful cooperation with Libya, commending the role of the Ministry of Labor in hosting the conference.
Both ministers emphasised the depth of the friendship between the two nations, and their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations, especially in the areas of labour and rehabilitation.
Last week, Libya’s Anti-Illegal Migration Agency announced its intention to repatriate 248 migrants to Niger and Chad.
According to the Agency, 120 Nigerien migrants will be repatriated by air, while 128 Chadian migrants will be repatriated by land through the common land borders with Libya.
Moussa Al-Koni, a member of the Libyan Presidential Council, who attended the final phase of the migrants’ deportation along with the ambassadors of Chad and Niger, emphasised that the process was conducted in a “humane” and “dignified” manner.
He stated, “Here at the Illegal Immigration Center in Tripoli, migrants were hosted and prepared in a decent and humane manner for their voluntary return to their countries.”
Al-Koni highlighted the importance of cooperation to reduce the exacerbation of irregular migration. “Cooperation is needed as transit or source countries with destination countries. This is a collective effort, and for them to stay in their homeland and live with dignity, it doesn’t take much if these countries agree on it,” he said.
Bakheet Ahmed, one of the repatriated migrants from Chad, praised the facilities provided for their return. He explained to AFP, “We will be returned to Chad, after all the facilities were provided for our return, following the completion of the procedures by the Chadian Embassy.”
Interior Minister, Emad Al-Tarabulsi discussed the voluntary return of migrants with Othman Belbeisi, the MENA Regional Director of the IOM on Monday. This included support for land and sea border crossings to curb irregular migration.
Libya, divided between rival authorities in the east and west, has become a center for tens of thousands of migrants seeking to reach Europe.
Many migrants attempt to reach Europe through Libyan territory, risking their lives. However, thousands have been illegally living in Libya for years, working in agriculture, construction, and trade, particularly around the capital.