Libya’s government has firmly stated its position against becoming a permanent home for migrants attempting to reach Europe, highlighting the strain this influx is putting on the North African nation. In a recent press conference, Libyan Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi revealed startling statistics about the country’s migrant population and expressed growing concerns about national security and economic impacts.
According to Trabelsi, Libya currently hosts approximately 2.5 million foreigners, with a staggering 70 to 80 percent of them having entered the country illegally. This high percentage of undocumented migrants poses significant challenges for Libya, a country still grappling with the aftereffects of years of conflict and political instability following the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gadhafi.
The minister emphasized that Libya’s role has shifted from being merely a transit country to becoming an unintended settlement destination for many migrants. This change is partly due to increased efforts by the European Union to curb irregular migration across the Mediterranean, leaving many migrants stranded in Libya.
Trabelsi expressed frustration with this situation, stating, “The resettlement of migrants in Libya is unacceptable.” He pointed out that undocumented migrants don’t contribute to the tax system, further straining the country’s already fragile economy.
Libya’s strategic location, just 300 kilometers from Italy, has long made it a key departure point for migrants from sub-Saharan African countries seeking a better life in Europe. However, the dangers of the Mediterranean crossing and stricter European border controls have led to a buildup of migrants within Libya’s borders.
In response to this growing crisis, Libyan authorities have been working with the United Nations on repatriation efforts. Since the beginning of 2024, about 6,000 migrants have been repatriated through UN-supported programs, according to Trabelsi.
Looking ahead, Libya is set to host the Trans-Mediterranean Migration Forum on July 17. This important meeting will bring together African and European governments to discuss and develop new strategies for addressing migration issues, with a focus on creating development projects in migrants’ countries of origin.
The upcoming forum comes at a crucial time, as both the European Union and Italy have been intensifying their efforts to combat irregular migration. These efforts have put additional pressure on countries like Libya, which find themselves caught between the aspirations of migrants and the restrictive policies of European nations.
As Libya continues to struggle with its own internal challenges, including ongoing political divisions and economic instability, the migrant crisis adds another layer of complexity to the country’s recovery efforts. The government’s strong stance against becoming a “resettlement country” underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive, international approach to managing migration flows in the Mediterranean region.