In a move to address the issue of illegal migration, Libya carried out the repatriation of nearly 1,000 migrants from Egypt and Nigeria on Tuesday. The majority of those repatriated included 664 Egyptians and 300 Nigerians who had been residing illegally in the North African country.
The repatriation process involved transporting 664 Egyptians by bus to the Emsaed border post with Egypt, situated approximately 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) east of Tripoli. Simultaneously, 300 Nigerians were conveyed to the airport for their journey back home.
General Mohamad Bardaa, heading the country’s anti-immigration body affiliated with the interior ministry, confirmed the repatriation efforts. Libya, currently experiencing political turmoil with rival administrations in the West and East, has become a focal point for illegal migration to Europe since the ouster and killing of long-time dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.
Notably, thousands of individuals, primarily Egyptians, have been residing illegally in and around the Libyan capital for years, engaging in various sectors such as agriculture, business, and construction.
This repatriation follows similar operations conducted last month, where 600 Egyptians were sent home on November 6, and another 250 individuals were repatriated to Niger and Chad on November 28. According to the International Organization for Migration, between May and June this year, over 700,000 migrants, predominantly from Niger and Egypt, were present in Libya.
The move signals Libya’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by illegal migration and underscores the complexities faced by the nation in the aftermath of political upheaval.
By Osaiyekemwen Confidence
