2024-07-19 17:28:16
During the Trans-Mediterranean Migration Forum in Tripoli, the Minister of Interior, Imed Trabelsi, called for serious international support to combat illegal immigration, warning that cooperation with non-governmental organizations would stop if countries did not deal seriously with the migration issue.
Al-Tarabulsi stressed that cooperation with the Maltese Minister of Interior contributed to reducing the flow of migrants to Malta, noting that closing the border with Tunisia also contributed to reducing the number of migrants from Tunisia to Italy.
Al-Tarabulsi promised to “settle” the migrants who were returned from the sea to Libya, revealing that approximately 2.5 million migrants have entered Libya, with the number expected to rise to 3 million according to official statistics.
Al-Tarabulsi called for supporting the Anti-Immigration Agency and the Border Guards to carry out their duties, noting that Libya spent $330 million on combating immigration last year, while it only received 30 million euros in international support.
Al-Tarabulsi confirmed that he had not received any official or unofficial request from European countries to settle immigrants inside Libya, pointing out the rejection of this matter by civil society organizations and notables.
He announced Libya’s readiness to continue the voluntary return program for migrants in cooperation with Italy and Malta, revealing the voluntary return of 6,000 migrants during this year.
Al-Tarabulsi stressed the importance of providing logistical support to facilitate the return of migrants, calling for providing aircraft and their living expenses instead of paying money.
Source: Government of National Unity
2024-07-19 17:28:16