'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Libya's Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM), in a recent crackdown on immigration violations has deported 13 foreign nationals, including seven Nigerians, for breaking Libyan law. Among the deportees were also three Bangladeshis and three Ghanaians.
The deportees were held at the Qanfoudah Immigration Detention Centre before being escorted out of the country through Benina International Airport in Benghazi. This move comes as part of Libya’s ongoing efforts to enforce stricter immigration regulations amidst rising challenges with unlawful entry and residence in the country.
DCIM released an official statement via their X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, detailing the deportation process and emphasizing the individuals' violations of Libyan immigration laws. The statement read, “DCIM deported 13 migrants (3 Bangladeshis, 3 Ghanaians, and 7 Nigerians) from the Qanfoudah Immigration Detention Centre via Benina International Airport in Benghazi. All individuals were deported for violating laws in force in the Libyan state.”
The Libyan government has been facing increased pressure to manage its migration issues, given its geographical location as a common transit point for migrants seeking entry into Europe. The country’s authorities have tightened regulations, often resulting in large-scale detentions and deportations.
Libya has long served as both a destination and a transit route for individuals from Africa and Asia who seek better economic opportunities or asylum in Europe. However, political instability and security issues have led to stricter enforcement of immigration laws, impacting migrants who might have previously sought temporary residence.
While DCIM did not provide specific details on the violations that led to these deportations, the agency has consistently highlighted the necessity of compliance with Libyan laws for foreign nationals residing within the country.
This recent deportation of Nigerian, Bangladeshi, and Ghanaian nationals underscores Libya’s commitment to managing migration through legal channels, a policy that continues to shape the lives of thousands navigating complex migration pathways through North Africa.
