Libyan authorities on Tuesday carried out the repatriation of 369 irregular migrants to their home countries of Nigeria and Mali, according to a government official.
Among the repatriated were over a hundred women and children.
Mohammed Baredaa, head of the Libyan interior ministry’s anti-migration unit, stated that two flights transported 204 Nigerians and 165 Malians.
The group included nine infants, eighteen minors, and 108 women. Baredaa emphasized that the repatriation process was conducted in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The IOM offers voluntary humanitarian return programs that provide migrants with free flights and reintegration assistance upon their return home. However, allegations of forced deportations have surfaced.
A 59-year-old Nigerian man, who requested anonymity, claimed that Libyan authorities forcibly entered his home, confiscated his passport, and detained him along with his wife before repatriating them.
Libya has been grappling with the aftermath of the 2011 uprising that ousted long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi, leading to widespread instability.
The chaotic environment has facilitated the operations of human smugglers and traffickers, making the country a primary departure point for migrants seeking a better life in Europe.
The Libyan government has faced criticism from human rights organizations over the treatment of migrants and refugees, with accusations of abuse, including extortion and slavery. Despite joint efforts with the European Union to curb irregular migration, the number of migrants stranded in Libya continues to rise.
Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi recently expressed concerns about the growing number of undocumented foreigners in the country, labeling Libya a “country of settlement” rather than a transit point. The government has pledged to address this issue.
