Libyan Interior Minister General Imad Trabelsi reaffirmed during a meeting in Tripoli with European Union representatives and several Western and Asian diplomats that his country will not accept any international initiative aimed at permanently settling migrants there.
“Libya is not a resettlement country,” the Libyan Interior Minister insisted to ambassadors from the EU, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Malta, and Japan.
General Trabelsi stated that the priority of the Libyan authorities is to work with international partners to promote the voluntary and dignified return of migrants currently in the country.
He also emphasised his government’s commitment to regulating the labour market according to the country’s real needs, while respecting the legal framework.
To this end, temporary residence permits have recently been issued to certain foreign workers, with the aim of formalising their presence and structuring the informal sector.
Recent surveys show that a large number of migrants wish to return to their countries of origin, he added, calling for strengthened coordination with the relevant states and international organisations to facilitate these returns.
The minister also reiterated Libya’s openness to cooperation in the area of training, particularly for security forces responsible for managing migration flows.
He emphasised the importance of a professional approach that respects human rights.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the security, economic, and social challenges linked to irregular migration, as well as the mechanisms to be put in place for the voluntary return of migrants.
General Trabelsi called on the European Union to further support Libyan efforts in this area, while respecting national sovereignty and contributing to regional stability.
SL/te/Sf/fss/as/APA