Hundreds of Egyptians due to be released from Libya

Hundreds of Egyptians detained in Libyan prisons are expected to return home soon, as Egyptian authorities say legal procedures to resolve their cases and arrange their deportation are nearing completion, as reported by the Libya Review on January 2nd.

The announcement offers cautious relief to families who have waited months, and in some cases years, for news about relatives missing or imprisoned in Libya. Egyptian authorities recently confirmed that over 2,600 Egyptian nationals have been repatriated from Libya since the beginning of 2025.

Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the update was delivered during a meeting between Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Ambassador Haddad Al-Gohary and families of Egyptians reported missing in Libya. The ministry described the discussion as part of ongoing efforts to address detention cases and improve communication with affected families. There have been widespread reports on the horrific conditions and abuse faced by migrants in Libya’s detention centres.

During the meeting, Al-Gohary urged relatives to exercise extreme caution when searching for information about detained or missing family members. He stressed that families should rely solely on official channels and verified government sources, warning that unverified intermediaries often provide misleading claims. According to the ministry, some individuals and groups exploit families by demanding money in exchange for false or inaccurate information.

The assistant foreign minister also encouraged families to pursue legal action against brokers, smugglers and illegal migration networks. He said these groups routinely demand large sums to facilitate unlawful migration through dangerous routes, particularly towards Europe, exposing migrants to serious harm and, in many cases, death.

Al-Gohary emphasised the importance of following official travel and employment procedures when entering neighbouring countries. He noted that obtaining proper visas and documented work contracts is essential not only for protecting legal rights but also for safeguarding lives.

The Foreign Ministry reported that more than 3,000 Egyptian nationals were deported from Libya during 2025 after being implicated in cases linked to illegal migration. It added that over 1,200 Egyptians have already been released from Libyan prisons as part of ongoing coordination between Egyptian authorities and Libyan counterparts.

Beyond detention cases, Egyptian authorities have also overseen the repatriation of approximately 300 bodies of Egyptian migrants who died in boat sinkings off the Libyan coast. The ministry said all associated costs were covered by the Egyptian state.

Libya continues to serve as a major transit hub for irregular migration across the Mediterranean. Egyptian officials say coordination efforts remain focused on resolving detention cases, dismantling human smuggling networks and reducing the risks tied to illegal migration routes.

Libya Review, Maghrebi.org