Libyan authorities have deported more than 150 Nigerian women and children as part of a United Nations-backed “voluntary return” program aimed at curbing irregular migration, officials confirmed Tuesday.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), which facilitates the repatriation scheme, reported that the group comprised 160 women and 17 children. Before departure, they were held in a Tripoli detention center, dressed in black tracksuits, awaiting transport to Mitiga Airport for their flight back to Nigeria.
Libya remains a major transit hub for African migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean into Europe. However, widespread violence and human trafficking have made the journey perilous, with many migrants facing detention and abuse.
Mohamad Baredaa of Libya’s migration agency stated that additional repatriation flights were scheduled this week, deporting migrants from Bangladesh, Gambia, and Mali.
With over 700,000 migrants recorded in Libya by IOM—though Libyan authorities estimate the number to be much higher—Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi stressed that Libya “will not bear the burden of illegal immigration alone” and ruled out the country becoming a settlement zone for migrants.
While the repatriation program aims to provide safe returns, concerns remain over the fate of deported individuals, many of whom fled economic hardship and instability in search of a better future.
Migration Challenges
The increasing deportations highlight Libya’s struggle to manage migration flows, with fears that crackdowns may worsen human rights violations against vulnerable groups. The situation also raises questions about the fate of thousands of African migrants stranded in Libya’s detention centers, often facing dire conditions.
As Libya continues to enforce stricter migration policies, the future remains uncertain for those seeking refuge or passage through the country’s borders.
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