The “Misrata Youth Movement” organised a peaceful protest in the city last Friday, aimed at combating illegal migration and rejecting any plan for the settlement of foreigners. The movement called on all free Libyans to join this campaign, which advocates for the country’s security and sovereignty.
The movement issued an appeal to the highest and judicial authorities in Libya, outlining its economic, security, and legal priorities as follows:
Legal and Security Aspects: The deportation of all illegally residing migrants in accordance with Libyan law. It also demanded that legal judgments be applied to foreigners who violate the law with the same standard applied to citizens, alongside enhancing effective border control.
Economic and Labour Regulation: Giving priority in employment opportunities to Libyan citizens. Furthermore, it demanded a halt to commercial, professional, and industrial activities carried out by non-Libyans in violation of regulations, while mandating the sponsorship (Kafala) system for expatriate workers and setting their residency duration according to the governing legislation.
Health Aspect: Protecting the public health of the Libyan community from the direct threat arising from the outbreak of epidemics and diseases that could be transmitted by illegal migrants.
The statement issued by the movement stressed its strict commitment to peacefulness, asserting that the stand represented a pure popular will that categorically rejects any aggression or violence directed at migrants or infiltrators. The movement clarified that the state and its competent judicial institutions are the sole bodies authorised to apply and enforce the laws in this matter.
The movement’s statement concluded by noting that history will record any party seeking to legalise or settle irregular migrants as one who has forfeited the nation’s resources and violated the principle of national sovereignty. The movement affirmed that its ultimate goal is to safeguard Libya’s stability and sovereignty from chaos and illegal settlement.
