The Libyan National Security Council rejects the settlement of migrants in Libya.

Benghazi, October 19, 2026 (LANA) – The Libyan National Security Council has welcomed the confirmation by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya, Hanna Tetteh—delivered during her briefing to the UN Security Council—that the United Nations respects the sovereignty of the Libyan state and does not facilitate the permanent settlement of migrants and refugees on its territory.

In a statement, the Council reiterated its categorical rejection of the settlement of migrants in Libya. It affirmed the state’s right to manage its borders and regulate the entry, residency, and employment of foreign nationals in accordance with its national legislation and international obligations. The Council further emphasized that international cooperation in this area must be founded upon respect for Libya’s sovereignty, its national decision-making, and the mandates of its institutions.

The National Security Council underscored the importance of Libya fulfilling its international obligations—including treaties and agreements to which it is a party—while upholding the dignity of migrants, protecting their rights, and ensuring they are treated humanely. It also highlighted the need to regulate the presence of foreign labor and provide humanitarian assistance within the relevant legal frameworks. Furthermore, the Council stressed the necessity of ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers, staff of international organizations and missions, and their premises. It noted that these entities should carry out their duties within the scope of their respective mandates and in accordance with the legal frameworks governing their operations, in coordination with the competent Libyan authorities, thereby fostering cooperation and mutual respect. The Council further affirmed its commitment to contribute—within the scope of its mandate and in coordination with legislative and executive authorities, security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders—to the development of a unified and comprehensive national vision for managing the issue of irregular migration. This vision aims to safeguard national security and the supreme interests of the State, while also accounting for humanitarian dimensions and Libya’s international obligations.

In the concluding part of its statement, the National Security Council called for strengthened cooperation with countries of origin, transit, and destination, based on the equitable sharing of responsibilities and burdens. It also emphasized the need to address the root causes of irregular migration, combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking, and bolster the capacities of national institutions—all with the goal of achieving sustainable solutions that respect state sovereignty and uphold human rights.

...(LANA)...