Libya continues to grow voluntary migrant returns
Libya’s Anti-Illegal Migration Agency has deported and transferred 202 irregular migrants from the Al-Butnan region in eastern Libya as part of an ongoing security campaign against unlawful residency and irregular migration, as reported by Libya Review on July 20th.
The agency’s Al-Butnan branch stated that the migrants have been divided into two groups. The first was deported through the Emsaed land border crossing after the completion of the required legal and administrative procedures. The second group was transferred to the Qanfouda Shelter and Deportation Centre, where officials are working towards completing the necessary procedures that are required prior to arranging return plans for individuals to return to their countries of origin.
According to the agency, the operation was carried out under the instructions of its head and formed part of a broader security plan directed at enforcing immigration laws, strengthening national security and stability. The agency added that its branches are continuing to identify migrants who violate residency regulations and are working to process their cases in accordance with Libyan law.
Major General Salah Mahmoud Al-Khafifi, Head of Libya’s Anti-Illegal Migration Agency, received a delegation from the International Organization for Migration at the agency’s headquarters in Benghazi. During the meeting ways to strengthen coordination and cooperation were discussed by both sides, with a focus on migrant accommodation, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance. Al-Khafifi said shelter centres were undergoing infrastructure development and modernisation, while authorities continue to work to provide transport vehicles, ambulances and medical services as a way to improve care conditions inside of the facilities.
The talks also covered plans of developing healthcare programmes, expanding humanitarian services and increasing voluntary return operations for migrants. Al-Khafifi confirmed the agency’s commitment to continued cooperation with the IOM to improve the services migrants have access to in line with humanitarian standards.
Libya Review, Maghrebi.org.
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