The number of migrants in Libya has increased by nearly 20 percent compared to the same period last year, according to a new report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The March-April 2025 Displacement Tracking Matrix (Round 57) identified a total of 867,055 migrants from 44 different nationalities living across Libya. This figure also reflects a 1 percent increase from the data collected in January-February 2025.
The latest statistics show that Sudanese nationals make up the largest portion of the migrant population at 33 percent, followed by people from Niger at 22 percent, Egypt at 19 percent, Chad at 10 percent, and Nigeria at 3 percent. This continuous rise has been ongoing since December 2023, highlighting Libya’s growing role as a key transit and destination point for migrants heading toward Europe or seeking jobs in North Africa.
Tragically, while many are trying to reach better opportunities, the central Mediterranean route remains one of the deadliest. The IOM reported that between January 1 and July 19, at least 363 people lost their lives while attempting the journey, and 290 others are still missing. During this same period, 12,643 individuals were intercepted at sea and forcibly returned to Libya. These included 10,943 men, 1,148 women, 407 children, and 145 people whose gender was not confirmed.
The IOM also noted a concerning employment pattern among migrants in Libya. While 78 percent of migrants, mostly men, had some form of work, the remaining—mostly women—were unemployed but actively seeking jobs. Most of those employed were involved in the construction industry (48%), while others worked in factories (10%), agriculture (9%), and domestic work or cleaning services (8%). A smaller percentage were employed as sales assistants or cashiers (6 percent).
In terms of demographics, 78 percent of the migrant population were men, 11 percent were women, 7 percent were minors accompanied by adults, and 4 percent were unaccompanied children. The IOM also highlighted that many male migrants (24 percent) were married but living in Libya without their spouses. Only 12 percent of the married men had their wives with them.
Geographically, the largest number of migrants was found in western Libya, accounting for 53 percent of the population, followed by 35 percent in the east and 12 percent in the southern regions. These figures illustrate the widespread presence of migrants across the country and the significant strain this places on local infrastructure and humanitarian support.
With ongoing instability in Libya and limited legal migration options, the risks to migrants are high. Many remain vulnerable to abuse, forced labor, and unsafe sea crossings. The IOM continues to call for increased support for migrants in Libya and more sustainable migration policies to prevent further loss of life and human rights violations.