The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 775 irregular migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya while attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe between 4th and 10th August.
According to the IOM’s Libya office, a total of 17,190 migrants have been intercepted and returned to Libya so far in 2023, with 962 recorded deaths and 1,536 missing persons during these attempts.
In comparison, during 2022, 24,684 migrants were returned to Libya, with 529 deaths and 848 reported missing.
In a related development, the Libyan Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency announced the transfer of 140 Egyptian migrants from the Qanfouda Detention and Deportation Centre in Benghazi to the Imsaad land border, preparing for their repatriation to Egypt.
These migrants were detained during operations within the agency’s jurisdiction, with some found to have security restrictions or were deported by the order of the Attorney General’s Office.
Earlier, the IOM announced that it has voluntarily repatriated 80,000 irregular migrants from Libya to their home countries. This initiative is part of the IOM’s voluntary return program.
According to a statement from the organization, “Since 2015, the IOM has assisted 80,000 migrants in returning safely and with dignity from Libya to their countries of origin through the Voluntary Humanitarian Return program.”
“This initiative has provided a critical lifeline for stranded migrants from over 49 different nationalities across Africa and Asia who wish to return home and rebuild their lives.”
The statement added that among those helped by the program were 2,733 victims of trafficking, 843 unaccompanied or separated children, and 5,144 individuals with medical needs.
Tauhid Pasha, the acting head of the IOM mission in Libya, stated that the IOM staff in Libya work around the clock to assist vulnerable migrants in urgent need of protection. He emphasized the importance of enabling migrants to make informed decisions and ensuring their right to return home. The Voluntary Humanitarian Return program offers hope in the face of severe hardships.
The Voluntary Humanitarian Return program, managed by the IOM, arranges the return of stranded irregular migrants in Libya to their home countries.
Due to the insecurity and chaos that have plagued the country since the fall of the late Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, many migrants, mostly from Africa, opt to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach European shores from Libya.
