Greek minister: 550,000 migrants ready to leave Libya

More than half a million migrants and refugees are currently in Libya, according to Greece’s Migration Minister, as southern European countries step up efforts to curb crossings across the central Mediterranean.

Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris estimated that around 550,000 people are presently in Libya awaiting opportunities to travel towards Europe, speaking to Greek television on May 10th, he said Athens is working closely with Frontex and Libyan authorities in an effort to counter human trafficking operations and monitor boats before they leave Libyan shores, as reported by the Libya Review.

According to Bloomberg, the minister stated that cooperation focuses on stopping vessels from setting off from the Libyan coast. The aim is to reduce departures at source, amid growing concern in Mediterranean countries over increased migration flows along the central Mediterranean route.

Libya remains a key transit hub for migrants and asylum seekers attempting to reach Europe. Despite repeated warnings from international organisations about the dangers of irregular sea crossings and the role of trafficking networks operating in the region, crossings continue to be organised from Libyan territory. European agencies and Libyan authorities have expanded coordination in recent years in an attempt to intercept boats and dismantle smuggling operations. Almost 25,000 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya in 2025.

Europe’s reliance on agreements with Libya to curb irregular migration has effectively shifted its border control responsibilities to a country marked by political fragmentation, militia influence and serious documented human rights abuses.

Efforts to strengthen border security have also been pledged by authorities associated with Libya’s Government of National Unity, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah. They have repeatedly said they intend to improve controls and work with international partners to combat illegal migration and organised smuggling groups.

Meanwhile, search-and-rescue operations continue in waters near Greece. Greek state radio reported that the coast guard rescued 125 migrants from two boats located off the southern coast of Crete. Officials noted that sea conditions in the area remain relatively calm, raising concerns that additional vessels may have already departed from Libya towards European waters.

Two Sudanese men, aged 19 and 21, are set to stand trial in Crete after being accused of organising a deadly migrant crossing from Tobruk in eastern Libya to Greece that resulted in the deaths of 22 people. Greek authorities allege the suspects face charges including involuntary manslaughter and facilitating illegal entry, following testimony from survivors who described days at sea without adequate food or water before fatalities occurred

The situation underscores Libya’s central role in migration dynamics across the Mediterranean and the ongoing challenge faced by European states seeking to manage arrivals while addressing the underlying networks facilitating irregular crossings. Coordination between Libyan and European authorities remains a key element of current policy responses, particularly as migration continues to be a politically sensitive issue across the region.

Libya Review, Maghrebi.org