Libya has long been a crucial transit hub for migrants attempting to reach Europe via the Mediterranean, particularly in the wake of the country’s instability following the 2011 ousting of former leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Tripoli – Libyan authorities have deported 177 Nigerian migrants, primarily women and children, as part of an ongoing voluntary repatriation initiative, the country’s Illegal Migration Control Department announced on Tuesday.
According to deportation officer Mohamed Bred’a, the group—comprising mostly female migrants, along with nine children and eight infants—departed from Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport. He noted that additional repatriation flights were scheduled for the week, emphasizing that the deportation process remains voluntary and humanitarian in nature.
Libya has long been a crucial transit hub for migrants attempting to reach Europe via the Mediterranean, particularly in the wake of the country’s instability following the 2011 ousting of former leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Meanwhile, Libyan Interior Minister Emad al-Tarabelsi has called on the European Union and affected nations to step up support in addressing migration challenges. He stressed that securing Libya’s southern borders should be a priority over focusing solely on coastal patrols, a stance often favored by the EU.
Al-Tarabelsi also advocated for investment in development projects within migrants’ home countries to tackle the root causes driving migration.
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