Tripoli hosts an international meeting on combating irregular migration.

Tripoli, July 8, 2025 (LANA) - The capital, Tripoli, hosted a high-level international meeting on combating irregular migration on Tuesday, chaired by Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbaiba, with the participation of the acting Minister of Interior, Major General Imad Trabelsi, along with the Interior Ministers of Italy and Malta, the Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum, and the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration at the European Union Mission.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Labor and Rehabilitation, the Minister of State for Communication and Political Affairs, and the Minister in Charge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

According to the Ministry of Interior, the meeting was devoted to discussing the issue of illegal migration and ways to coordinate regional and international efforts to combat this phenomenon, in a manner that enhances security and humanitarian cooperation, ensures respect for national sovereignty and the protection of human rights, and contributes to supporting stability in the region.

Dbaiba affirmed, that he had authorized the Ministry of Interior to develop a comprehensive national security plan to combat this phenomenon. This plan includes launching a broad campaign targeting criminal gangs and human smuggling and trafficking networks, while emphasizing the need to limit the flow of migrants through Libyan territory and respect national sovereignty.

He reiterated his call for the international community to provide the necessary support to Libya in its efforts to achieve security and stability, affirming the Government of National Unity's commitment to its responsibilities in combating crime in all its forms.

For his part, the Acting Minister of Interior, Major General Imad al-Trabelsi, explained that the Ministry has adopted a comprehensive plan to combat illegal immigration, which includes four main axes, based on the fact that Libya is the country most affected by this phenomenon.

He pointed out that the plan aims to reduce the flow of illegal migrants into Libya by tightly securing the land borders, controlling desert areas and activating security checkpoints there, monitoring cities and urban centers that serve as transit or temporary settlement points, and strengthening surveillance of Libyan coasts to prevent illegal departures or arrivals.

The Minister emphasized the importance of deporting all migrants who entered the country illegally, while also accelerating the pace of work on this issue to ensure the effectiveness of the procedures in place.

He emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation with European Union countries to dismantle and prosecute criminal gangs involved in human smuggling and trafficking. He explained that the plan will be implemented under the supervision and monitoring of specialized committees to ensure the efficient and effective achievement of its objectives.

For his part, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said that his country appreciates Libya's efforts, which began last year, to return illegal migrants to their countries, stressing the need to support Libyan authorities, especially migrant shelters.

He added that the core of bilateral cooperation is very important and must be continued. He pointed out that cooperation with Libya must reach high and tangible levels, based on the recent outcomes we agreed upon, especially regarding border management. He expressed his country's readiness to deliver four rubber boats to the Libyan Coast Guard.

For his part, the Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum, Thanos Yliveris, said that his country appreciates the Libyan state's work on the issue of illegal immigration and the difficulties it faces, especially given the current internal circumstances. He expressed his country's readiness to support Libya as much as possible.

He said, "We will try to help Libya as much as possible, especially with regard to migrants seeking to reach Europe. We are part of the solution, and we must do our part. Libya is not far away, and therefore, whatever affects Libya affects us."

In the same vein, Maltese Interior Minister Byron Camilleri said, "Our presence here reflects our commitment to this issue. The European Commission has a strong commitment to Libya on the issue of immigration and wishes to cooperate with the Libyan state to the greatest extent possible."

He added, "We understand our responsibility in this regard, and we know that each country has its own unique characteristics in this regard, which must be taken into account. Malta wants to work with Libya to build a strong partnership that leads to tangible results."

During the meeting, the Ministry of Interior's plan to combat illegal immigration was reviewed. This plan is based on four main axes, including securing land borders, desert areas, cities, and coasts, in addition to implementing security campaigns targeting smuggling and human trafficking networks, deporting illegal migrants, and strengthening international cooperation to dismantle criminal gangs.

=Lana=