The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported a continued rise in the number of illegal migrants intercepted and returned to Libya. Between January 1 and September 27, 2025, a total of 19,264 migrants were brought back, including 16,640 men, 1,720 women, 696 children, and 208 individuals whose demographic data remains unspecified.
According to IOM figures, 21,762 migrants were returned to Libya in 2024, compared to 17,190 in 2023—highlighting an upward trend in maritime interceptions along the central Mediterranean route, which has also seen 460 recorded deaths and 423 missing persons so far this year.
In its latest weekly update, the organization confirmed that Libyan coast guard units and other authorities intercepted and returned 1,004 irregular migrants to Libyan ports between September 21 and 27, 2025. These operations took place across several coastal areas, including Tripoli, Zawiya, Zuwara, Derna, and Tobruk, and involved the return of men, women, and children. The report also noted the recovery of three bodies and the registration of several missing persons.
