Libyan Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to address the challenges of irregular migration during a meeting with the Regional Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on November 8, 2026. The meeting aimed to enhance cooperation and coordination in areas such as migration management, voluntary return, and deportation of migrants to their countries of origin.
Minister Trabelsi emphasized the need to accelerate the pace of returning migrants to their countries of origin and to enhance coordination with the IOM to support return programs within the framework of adopted legal and humanitarian standards. He also highlighted the importance of continuing cooperation and providing technical and logistical support to relevant authorities.
In June, Minister Trabelsi announced that the Interior Ministry had deported thousands of migrants of various nationalities within the past period, in accordance with adopted legal and humanitarian frameworks, as part of the National Program for Deporting Irregular Migrants. He considered this file a national and security challenge that goes beyond the responsibility of the Interior Ministry.
The Libyan government has been working to address the issue of irregular migration, with estimates suggesting that there are approximately 3 million irregular migrants in the country, although the European Union puts the number at around 1.5 million. Minister Trabelsi has previously stated that there have been no deportations of Sudanese migrants in an irregular or forced manner.
During the meeting, Minister Trabelsi and the IOM Regional Director discussed ways to enhance cooperation in managing migration, including supporting border management and combating migrant smuggling. The Libyan government has been working to strengthen its border management capabilities and to develop response mechanisms to migration-related challenges.
In December, Minister Trabelsi reviewed the results of the National Program for Deporting Irregular Migrants, stating that all deportations were carried out at the request of the migrants' countries of origin and in cooperation with the international community. The program aims to address the challenges of irregular migration and to provide a safe and dignified return for migrants.
The issue of irregular migration remains a significant challenge for Libya, with many migrants facing difficult conditions and risks. The Libyan government, in cooperation with international organizations such as the IOM, continues to work towards finding solutions to this complex issue, including supporting voluntary return and deportation programs.
Key points
- Libyan Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi emphasizes the need to intensify efforts to address irregular migration challenges.
- The Libyan government has deported thousands of migrants within the past period, in accordance with adopted legal and humanitarian frameworks.
- The issue of irregular migration remains a significant challenge for Libya, with many migrants facing difficult conditions and risks.
