Libya’s Interior Minister Declares 4 Million Illegal Immigrants…

Libyan Interior Minister Emad Al-Trabelsi reports 4 million illegal immigrants in Libya, stating that Libya cannot address this crisis alone amid ongoing security and economic challenges. He rejects the idea of Libya being a resettlement zone and calls for international cooperation to enhance border security and curb human trafficking.

Emad Al-Trabelsi, Libya’s Minister of Interior in the Government of National Unity, has announced that the number of illegal immigrants in Libya has risen to 4 million. He stated during a meeting at the Ministry of Interior headquarters that Libya cannot shoulder this burden alone, particularly given the ongoing security and economic challenges posed by the continued influx of immigrants into the country.

The meeting was attended by multiple ambassadors and chargé d’affaires from the European Union (EU) and African Union along with representatives from the EU mission, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Al-Trabelsi noted the deteriorating conditions Libya faces and indicated that over 4 million immigrants present a significant security and economic challenge, exacerbating the situation within Libya and the broader region.

The Minister asserted that Libya will not accept the role of a resettlement zone for illegal immigrants, emphasizing that national security and sovereignty are paramount. Al-Trabelsi contended that effective solutions to the immigration crisis must involve securing Libya’s southern borders rather than solely focusing on coastal monitoring as proposed by the EU.

Further, Al-Trabelsi urged EU nations and other affected countries to fulfill their responsibilities by actively supporting Libya in enhancing security at its southern borders. He called for the provision of modern equipment and technology to monitor illegal movements, expedited voluntary deportation of illegal immigrants in collaboration with international organizations, and a concentrated effort to combat human trafficking and smuggling networks through stringent measures against organized crime.

In summary, Minister Emad Al-Trabelsi has highlighted a critical immigration issue in Libya, marked by the presence of 4 million illegal immigrants. He has firmly rejected the notion of Libya serving as a resettlement zone and has called for international cooperation in reinforcing border security and addressing the root causes of illegal immigration. The need for substantial support from EU nations and others is emphasized to manage this growing crisis effectively.

Original Source: libyaobserver.ly