Libya's Parliament-Designated Government Deports Over 117,000 Irregular Migrants in Major Security Drive

117,350 Migrants Repatriated Through Voluntary Return Program

Libya's parliament-designated government announced Monday the deportation of more than 117,000 irregular migrants of various nationalities, confirming a sweeping new security package to regulate migration and tighten border controls. The announcement marks one of the largest recorded repatriation efforts in Libya's recent history.

Prime Minister Osama Hammad revealed that 117,350 irregular migrants have been returned to their home countries under the "Voluntary Return" program, implemented in coordination with international organizations. The figure represents a significant escalation in Libya's efforts to address irregular migration flowing through its territory.

Government Announces New Border Security Measures

Speaking at a press conference, Hammad confirmed that his government has adopted a comprehensive package of new procedures to organize the migration file and enhance border security across Libya's southern and Mediterranean frontiers. The measures include stepped-up patrols, improved surveillance infrastructure, and stricter enforcement at official border crossings.

"We are committed to addressing the root causes of irregular migration while ensuring humane treatment for all individuals," Hammad stated, according to Anadolu Agency. The premier emphasized that the new procedures aim to balance national security concerns with Libya's international obligations.

Voluntary Return Program in Cooperation with International Partners

Foreign Minister Abd al-Hadi al-Huweij detailed that all 117,350 migrants were repatriated under the voluntary return framework, working alongside United Nations agencies and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The program provides logistical support, documentation assistance, and reintegration aid for returning migrants.

Libya has long served as a primary transit hub for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East attempting to reach Europe across the Mediterranean. The country's unstable security environment has made it a focal point for human smuggling networks.

The voluntary return initiative offers an alternative to dangerous Mediterranean crossings, which have resulted in thousands of deaths annually. IOM data indicates that the Central Mediterranean route remains one of the deadliest migration corridors worldwide.

Regional and International Reactions

The announcement has drawn attention from European nations and international migration bodies, who have been pressing Libyan authorities to strengthen border management and disrupt smuggling operations. In 2025, the European Union allocated additional funding for migration management programs in North Africa, including Libya.

Neighboring countries have also expressed interest in the Libyan initiative, particularly Chad, Niger, and Sudan — the primary origin and transit countries for many migrants passing through Libya. The repatriation effort is expected to involve close coordination with these nations to ensure smooth returns and prevent re-entry.

Libya's Complex Migration Landscape

Libya's migration crisis is deeply intertwined with its post-2011 political fragmentation. Multiple competing governments and armed groups have complicated efforts to implement consistent migration policies. The parliament-designated government based in Benghazi and the Government of National Unity in Tripoli have pursued different approaches to the migration file.

According to Al-Wasat and Alamsar news outlets, the latest announcement underscores the Hammad government's attempt to demonstrate effective governance amid ongoing political rivalries. The deportation figure of 117,350 represents approximately 40% of the estimated irregular migrant population currently in Libya.

Humanitarian Considerations Going Forward

Human rights organizations have called on Libyan authorities to ensure that all repatriations comply with international law, including the principle of non-refoulement — which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they face persecution. The IOM has emphasized the importance of voluntary consent and post-return monitoring.

The Libyan government maintains that the voluntary return program is conducted transparently, with full respect for migrants' rights. Officials have stated that no individuals have been forcibly returned against their will, and that all returnees received pre-departure counseling and medical checks.

As Libya continues its dual struggle with political instability and migration pressures, the success of this repatriation campaign may serve as a model — or a cautionary tale — for future migration governance in the region.

— Libya Press / Politics Desk