Tripoli, Libya — In a stark shift in policy, Libyan authorities have initiated a significant escalation in the deportation of irregular migrants, predominantly from Sub-Saharan Africa, back to their respective home countries.
Libya’s recent actions have seen a considerable rise in the expulsion of individuals who have entered the nation without proper authorization and are not under humanitarian protection. In January 2025 alone, over 600 Nigerien nationals were forcibly repatriated, one of the most substantial expulsions in recent memory.
The North African country has long been a hub for migrant workers from Sub-Saharan Africa, seeking employment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and retail. However, many also view Libya as a transit point en route to Europe. Amidst this influx, reports have surfaced of migrants in Libya facing severe mistreatment and human rights abuses.
This escalation in deportations comes amidst heightened criticism from international bodies and human rights organizations. The European Union (EU) has been accused of outsourcing its border control policies to Libya, a move that has drawn scrutiny for neglecting the rights of migrants. The EU’s substantial financial support to Libya’s migration management has not been enough to mitigate these concerns.
Furthermore, in May 2025, there were reports suggesting that the Trump administration was contemplating deporting migrants to Libya, a proposal met with strong opposition due to the nation’s poor human rights record and political instability.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), approximately 25,000 migrants have been intercepted and returned to Libya thus far in 2025, including vulnerable populations such as women and children. This figure underscores the scale of the issue and the urgency of addressing the plight of these individuals.
Libya has also made a distinction in its treatment of Sudanese refugees, declaring that they will be afforded the same rights as Libyan citizens, including access to education and healthcare. This move is a departure from the general treatment of Sub-Saharan African migrants, but it remains to be seen how effectively these rights will be implemented.
The country’s status as a departure point for those seeking to cross the Mediterranean to Europe continues to persist, with reports indicating that migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers are vulnerable to exploitation in cycles of sex and labor trafficking.
As the “No to Resettlement” movement gains momentum, the implications of Libya’s policy shift are far-reaching. The potential for increased instability and human rights violations looms large, and the international community must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the challenges faced by these vulnerable populations.
Source: AfricaNews
Additional reporting by ImNews
