Egyptians in Libya face heightened security measures

An Italian agency has reported a significant increase in security measures against Egyptian workers in Benghazi, Libya. According to sources, these actions may be linked to the recent diplomatic rapprochement between Cairo and the Government of National Unity in Tripoli. The agency, Nova, cited unnamed sources indicating that the crackdown includes arrests of Egyptian workers, both those living illegally and those with valid residency permits.

The arrests have taken place at workplaces, with detainees being transferred to detention centers pending deportation. Nova reported that they were unable to independently verify the legal status of the detained individuals or confirm whether there are political motivations behind the crackdowns. This development comes after the Egyptian Embassy in Tripoli reopened on November 7, during a visit by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

Abdelatty conducted talks with Tripoli-based officials, including Prime Minister Abdul Hamid al-Dbeiba, on bilateral relations, economic cooperation, energy, and reconstruction. Meanwhile, Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad met with Sadam Haftar in Cairo on November 23 to discuss the political process, elections, and enhancing bilateral cooperation. These interactions suggest ongoing communication between Egypt and Libya's rival factions.

Despite the recent rapprochement between Cairo and Tripoli, Nova noted that deportation campaigns against Egyptian workers in eastern Libya predate this development. Citing operations in June, September, and October, the agency suggested that the connection between security actions and political developments is not conclusive. According to Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1379 Egyptian detainees were released and repatriated from Libya during the first four months of the year.

The majority of these individuals, 871, were from Benghazi, while 508 were from Tripoli. A previous investigation by Al-Arabi Al-Jadid newspaper alleged that Egyptian workers were forced to work without pay at a gold extraction site near Qatroun. However, these allegations have not been judicially proven. Nova's report emphasized the lack of independent evidence supporting the claim that Benghazi authorities have issued directives targeting Egyptians for political reasons.

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to Nova's request for comment on the matter. The agency's findings highlight the complexities of the situation, with multiple factors potentially influencing the treatment of Egyptian workers in Libya. As diplomatic efforts continue between Egypt and Libya's factions, the security situation for Egyptian workers remains a concern.

The situation underscores the challenges faced by migrant workers in Libya, particularly in the context of the country's ongoing political divisions. With Libya's Government of National Unity and the eastern-based leadership maintaining distinct relationships with Egypt, the plight of Egyptian workers caught in the middle remains uncertain.

Key points

• Egyptian workers in Benghazi face increased security measures and potential deportation.
• The actions may be linked to diplomatic developments between Cairo and Tripoli.
• 1379 Egyptian detainees were released and repatriated from Libya in the first four months of the year.