Libya deports 270 irregular migrants 

Libya yesterday deported 270 irregular African and Asian migrants to their respective countries, Anadolu news agency reported.

“Today, a group of individuals from various nationalities will be deported from this place. It involves people from Somalia, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Bangladesh and Nigeria,” Libyan Interior Minister, Imad Trabelsi, said during a press conference held at the Tarik Al-Sikka detention centre.

He added that several trips will be organised in the coming days for the voluntary return of irregular migrants, in coordination with the competent authorities, including the government, the Ministry of Interior and the Agency for Combating Illegal Immigration.

Trabelsi said 162 Ghanaian nationals had been deported last week, as well as 137 Malians and others from Bangladesh.

“Next Thursday, an unspecified number of irregular migrants will be deported to Pakistan from Benina International Airport,” he added.

The Libyan minister pointed out that Libya has spent billions of dollars to shelter irregular migrants, noting that the migration file has harmed Libya’s security, economy and society.

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An African irregular migrant is seen at a removal center before being sent to his home country in Tripoli, Libya on September 06, 2023 [Hazem Turkia/Anadolu Agency]

Irregular migrants are seen at a removal center before being sent to their home country in Tripoli, Libya on September 06, 2023 [Hazem Turkia/Anadolu Agency]

African irregular migrants are seen at a removal center before being sent to their home country in Tripoli, Libya on September 06, 2023 [Hazem Turkia/Anadolu Agency]

Libyan Interior Minister Imad al-Trabulsi announces the repatriation of 270 irregular migrants at Department for Combating Illegal Immigration in Tripoli, Libya on September 06, 2023 [Hazem Turkia/Anadolu Agency]

African irregular migrants are seen at a removal center before being sent to their home country in Tripoli, Libya on September 06, 2023 [Hazem Turkia/Anadolu Agency]