Libya’s Anti-Illegal Immigration Authority has announced the deportation of 171 Egyptian migrants who were found to be residing in the country without valid documentation or in violation of entry and residency laws.
In an official statement, the authority confirmed that several undocumented migrants of various nationalities — including Egyptians — were deported through the Umm Saad land border crossing.
The most notable deportations occurred in Greater Benghazi, where 73 Egyptian migrants were removed from Libyan territory. In Tobruk, authorities deported 68 Egyptians, while another 30 were deported from the Al-Bayda office.
The statement clarified that the deportations were carried out in accordance with legal procedures and targeted individuals who had received official expulsion orders due to violations of Libyan immigration laws.
The Anti-Illegal Immigration Authority reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to regulate migration flows and uphold the country’s border and residency policies, particularly as Libya remains a major transit hub for irregular migration across North Africa.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
