Libya’s Interior Minister in the Government of National Unity, Emad Al‑Trabelsi, confirmed that the country launched the Mediterranean Conference in Tripoli in July 2024, with the participation of ambassadors from the African Union, Arab states, the European Union, and representatives of interior ministries from the African Union and the Arab League. He explained that the conference marked the start of 14 months of continuous work, lasting until September 2025, to design a genuine national program for deporting illegal migrants, which he described as the most effective solution to this issue.
Launch of the National Deportation Program
Al‑Trabelsi stated that the national deportation program officially began in October 2025, targeting several nationalities including Egypt, Niger, Nigeria, and Bangladesh. Thousands of migrants were deported within a single month, all via air travel, under strict legal procedures and in direct coordination with the relevant embassies. He expressed appreciation for the support of African, Arab, neighboring, and European partners.
He noted that coordination was carried out with ambassadors and mission heads from Egypt, Niger, Nigeria, and Bangladesh to ensure safe and organized deportations. He added that the Mediterranean Conference was a key milestone in strengthening cooperation with European partners, particularly in combating human trafficking.
Regional and International Cooperation
Al‑Trabelsi praised the efforts of the interior ministers of Italy, Malta, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, highlighting their role in information exchange, training, and direct coordination with Libya’s Interior Ministry. He pointed to important meetings held in Tripoli, Rome, and Tunis to support Libya’s border control and fight trafficking networks.
He stressed that the program adheres to international standards, ensuring humane treatment of migrants through safe transport, protection, and accommodation, while allowing embassy and international organization representatives to attend collection and departure stages. He explained that all stages of transfer to the airport and flights were conducted in the presence of representatives from Egypt, Niger, Nigeria, and Bangladesh, and that exit visas were processed within 48 hours despite limited technical resources.
He also commended the visit of the EU Ambassador and representatives of international organizations to the departure center, which confirmed its compliance with international standards.
The Sudanese crisis
Regarding Sudanese migrants, Al‑Trabelsi clarified that Sudan is experiencing difficult circumstances, stressing that any deportation of Sudanese nationals would only take place upon an official request from Sudanese authorities, and would be carried out legally, humanely, and without forced deportation.
Voluntary Returns in 2025
The minister revealed that the Interior Ministry facilitated the voluntary return of 17,151 migrants in 2025, distributed as follows:
– Niger: 3,149
– Ghana: 2,314
– Bangladesh: 2,109
– Mali: 1,567
He described these figures as significant compared to previous years.
Sea Rescue Operations (January – September 2025)
Al‑Trabelsi presented Coast Guard statistics despite limited resources:
– January: 13 incidents – 461 rescued – 3 bodies recovered
– February: 7 incidents – 456 rescued – 1 body
– March: 4 incidents – 346 rescued – 1 body
– April: 11 incidents – 320 rescued – 19 bodies
– May: 12 incidents – 547 rescued – 14 bodies
– June: 12 incidents – 351 rescued – 8 bodies
– July: 17 incidents – 575 rescued – 9 bodies
– August: 7 incidents – 169 rescued – 3 bodies
– September: 7 incidents – 461 rescued – 4 bodies
Total: 90 incidents – 3,626 rescued – 32 bodies.
He emphasized that coordination with the EU, especially Italy, was essential in monitoring boats and migration routes, noting that limited maritime capacity restricts rescue operations.
Migration Burden on Libya
Al‑Trabelsi stressed that illegal migration has become a global issue, with Libya bearing heavy burdens for 13 years. International estimates put the number of illegal migrants in Libya at 1.5 million, while the Interior Ministry estimates the figure could reach 3 million from Asia and Africa.
He warned that migrant remittances represent a major economic burden, explaining that if each migrant sends $200 monthly, this equals $600 million per month — or $7.2 billion annually — withdrawn from the Libyan market, pressuring the currency and raising the dollar’s value. He added that 3 million migrants mean the loss of one million jobs for Libyans, as well as heavy consumption of subsidized fuel and electricity.
He also pointed to cross‑border crimes such as drug and cocaine smuggling, describing them as among the most dangerous problems linked to irregular migration, along with terrorism risks from networks exploiting migration routes.
Libya’s Position on Resettlement
Al‑Trabelsi reiterated Libya’s categorical rejection of any plan to resettle illegal migrants inside the country. He stressed that Europe considers migration a national security issue, and Libya is ready to cooperate fully through deportation programs only.
He revealed that 70% of migrants currently in Libya are families, raising serious concerns about permanent settlement — a scenario Libya firmly rejects. He concluded that the solution lies in actual deportation operations, not mere statements, noting that the Interior Ministry succeeded in deporting thousands of migrants in one month, while international organizations managed no more than 9,000 annually in some years.
Finally, he affirmed Libya’s full commitment to human rights, stressing that accusations against the ministry are unfair and that humanitarian values are deeply rooted in Libyan, Arab, and Islamic culture.
