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Libya spends $25m to accommodate illegal immigrants

February 5, 2014 at 1:11 am

Libyan officials charged with preventing illegal migration have revealed that the administration has deported more than 30,000 illegal migrants out of the 40,000 who were arrested in 2013. Most of the migrants came from Niger, Sudan, Chad and Egypt.


Experts believe that the Libyan authorities should intensify their efforts to prevent illegal migrants from reaching the country rather than having to arrest them once they have crossed the border. Statistics show that Libya spent $25 million in 2013 to accommodate and then deport immigrants. The department responsible had asked for $131 million to fulfil its duties in this respect when it opened in May 2012.

Despite European Union promises to help Libya to combat illegal immigration, many migrants still cross the border every day. According to reports by human rights organisations and the Libyan authorities, the shelters provided to accommodate illegal immigrants are inadequate for the purpose.

Source: Almesryoon