Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah has denied reports that his government plans to resettle migrants in the country, stating that Libya will not serve as a destination for irregular migration.
Speaking at a high-level meeting on migration policy, Dbeibah declared Libya’s security a "red line" and rejected any agreements that could lead to migrant resettlement.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the ministers of Interior, Labour, and Government Communication, as well as security and border control chiefs.
Dbeibah emphasized Libya’s efforts to push the international community to take greater responsibility in managing migration, insisting that Libya cannot bear the burden of border control alone. He also called on the European Union to provide more support.
The meeting also discussed measures to tighten border security, combat smuggling networks, and implement stricter controls at city entry points and key roads.
Plans were outlined for the deportation of irregular migrants in coordination with their countries of origin and for establishing clear policies on legal migration.
Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi reported that 20,000 irregular migrants were deported in 2023, with an additional 32,000 removed since the start of 2024, as part of heightened security operations.
The government’s response follows online speculation over an alleged deal with the International Organization for Migration to resettle migrants in Libya—claims that officials have strongly denied.
