Libya’s Minister of Interior, Emad Al-Trabelsi, reported that 4 million illegal immigrants are currently in Libya, asserting that the country cannot bear this burden alone amidst ongoing security and economic challenges. He rejected the notion of Libya as a resettlement zone and emphasized the need for international support and collaboration to enhance border security and combat smuggling networks.
Emad Al-Trabelsi, Libya’s Minister of Interior within the Government of National Unity, stated that there are approximately 4 million illegal immigrants residing in Libya. During a recent meeting at the Ministry of Interior, he remarked that the country cannot endure the weight of this crisis alone, considering the ongoing security and economic challenges linked to the incessant influx of immigrants into Libyan territory.
The meeting was attended by several ambassadors and chargé d’affaires from the European Union and African Union embassies, including representatives from the EU mission, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Al-Trabelsi noted that the current crises have intensified the complexities surrounding illegal immigration in Libya, leading to significant security and economic concerns.
He cautioned that “the continued flow of immigrants without controls will lead to the deterioration of security and social conditions, not only in Libya but throughout the entire region.” Furthermore, Al-Trabelsi insisted that Libya will not become a resettlement zone nor will it singularly bear the burden of illegal immigration. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing national sovereignty and security interests in addressing this issue.
He also stated that the fundamental solution to the illegal immigration crisis lies in securing Libya’s southern borders rather than focusing solely on coastal monitoring, which has been the European Union’s concentrated approach. Al-Trabelsi urged EU nations and other affected countries to assume responsibility and provide substantial support to Libya, particularly in relation to enhancing security at its southern borders. This includes the provision of advanced equipment and technologies for monitoring illegal movements and accelerating the voluntary deportation process of illegal immigrants in collaboration with international organizations, as well as the need to combat human trafficking and smuggling networks effectively.
Emad Al-Trabelsi has articulated the severe challenges posed by illegal immigration in Libya, highlighting the substantial number of 4 million immigrants in the country. He has firmly stated that Libya cannot bear the implications of this situation alone and will not serve as a resettlement area. The solutions proposed focus on securing Libya’s southern borders and requiring coordinated international efforts to address illegal immigration comprehensively.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
