The Iraqi Embassy in Libya has successfully repatriated dozens of Iraqi migrants who had entered the country illegally, as part of ongoing voluntary return efforts coordinated with Libyan authorities.
Chargé d’affaires Ahmed Al-Sahaf confirmed that the migrants departed aboard a Turkish Airlines flight from Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli to Erbil. He said the embassy ensured that food, medicine, and regular communication with their families were provided throughout the process.
According to Al-Sahaf, the initiative follows the directives of Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein to strengthen the protection of Iraqi citizens abroad. “Since the reopening of the embassy, around 150 Iraqi migrants have been repatriated from Libya,” he said, noting that the growing number of Iraqis heading to Libya highlights the activity of human trafficking and smuggling networks.
The embassy continues to coordinate with Libya’s Anti-Illegal Immigration Center in eastern Tripoli to safeguard the wellbeing of detained migrants. Al-Sahaf also stressed that raising public awareness among Iraqi families about the dangers of dealing with human traffickers is a shared responsibility.
The latest repatriation comes after the embassy recently announced plans to return 41 more Iraqi migrants being held in detention centers, amid rising security risks in Libya. The North African nation has witnessed years of instability and conflict since 2014, prompting several countries, including Iraq, to temporarily close their diplomatic missions.
Al-Sahaf reaffirmed that the embassy remains committed to the voluntary return program and that Iraqis facing difficulties in Libya will continue to receive the necessary support and assistance to return home safely. He also warned against engaging with smuggling networks exploiting vulnerable young people seeking a better life abroad.
This step forms part of the Iraqi government’s broader efforts to protect its citizens overseas and reduce the humanitarian risks associated with irregular migration, particularly in conflict-affected regions like Libya.
