Amnesty International has called on the eastern-based Libyan Government, headed by Prime Minister Osama Hammad, to revoke its recently announced ban on the entry of nationals from Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, arguing that the measure risks discriminating against migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers based on their nationality or ethnic background.
In a statement issued following the government’s decision, the rights organization urged Libyan authorities to abandon what it described as policies and practices targeting migrants and refugees and called for an end to collective detention and deportation measures.
Amnesty said any migration-related policies should comply with international human rights standards and ensure the protection of vulnerable groups.
The organization argued that the new restrictions disproportionately affect individuals from the four countries and warned that they could have serious humanitarian consequences, particularly for people fleeing conflict, insecurity, and economic hardship.
Amnesty also linked the decision to broader European migration policies, noting that it comes amid ongoing efforts by the European Union to deepen cooperation with Libya on migration management and border control.
The group criticised continued European engagement on migration issues despite repeated reports documenting alleged human rights violations against migrants and asylum seekers in Libya.
The criticism follows a decision issued by the Libyan Government prohibiting the entry of citizens from Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia through all land, sea, and air border crossings. The measure also includes procedures related to individuals from those nationalities who are residing in Libya without legal status.
Libyan authorities have defended the decision as part of wider efforts to regulate migration, strengthen border security, and address challenges associated with irregular migration. Officials argue that Libya continues to face growing pressure as one of the main transit routes used by migrants seeking to reach Europe, making stricter border management measures necessary.
