Libyan Interior Ministry: 80% of Foreigners in Libya are "Irregular"

The Libyan Minister of Interior appointed by the National Unity Government, Imad Al-Trablsi, confirmed that between 70% to 80% of foreigners in Libyan territory are "irregular." This statement was made ahead of an international forum in Libya regarding migration across the Mediterranean. Al-Trablsi emphasized Libya's firm rejection of the settlement of migrants, noting that there are approximately 2.5 million migrants in the country. He explained that illegal immigration represents a "national security file" and that "the time has come to solve this problem because Libya can no longer continue to pay the price." He pointed out that migrants do not pay electricity bills or taxes, which has led Libya to shift from being a "transit country to a settlement country." He added that Libyan authorities intend to "organize foreign labor," which remains a significant force in a country with a population of 7 million. Al-Trablsi mentioned that with the assistance of the International Organization for Migration and the voluntary humanitarian return program, Libya has "repatriated 6,000 migrants" since the beginning of the year and "10,000 in 2023" according to official figures.