Libya Bans Entry of Somalis and Three Other African Nationalities

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BENGHAZI: Libya’s eastern-based authorities have banned the entry of citizens from Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sudan through all land, sea and air ports, in a move aimed at tightening migration controls.

The decision was announced by the government of Prime Minister Osama Hamad, which is based in Benghazi and controls much of eastern and southern Libya.

Libyan officials said the measure was intended to regulate the entry of foreign nationals into the country, which has long served as a major transit route for migrants attempting to reach Europe across the Mediterranean.

The ban does not apply to accredited diplomats and consular staff from the four countries, nor to professionals working in the health and education sectors who hold valid work permits and official approvals.

The move is expected to affect many migrants from the Horn of Africa, particularly Somalis, who have used Libya as a gateway to Europe for years despite the dangers associated with the journey.

Libya has remained a key migration corridor since the 2011 uprising that overthrew longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi, with political instability and weak border controls contributing to the growth of migrant smuggling networks.

According to the United Nations, more than 900,000 migrants are currently living in Libya, many originating from countries in sub-Saharan Africa and the Horn of Africa.

The latest restrictions come as Libyan authorities face mounting pressure to address irregular migration and strengthen border security, while human rights groups continue to raise concerns about conditions facing migrants in the country.