The Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) in Libya has deported 13 migrants, including seven Nigerians, three Bangladeshis, and three Ghanians, who were detained at the Qanfoudah Immigration Detention Centre.
The deportations were carried out via Benina International Airport in Benghazi, with all individuals being removed for violating Libyan immigration laws, according to a post on Tuesday by Migrant Rescue Watch on X (formerly Twitter).
“Libya 12.11.24 – DCIM deported 13 migrants (3 Bangladeshis, 3 Ghanians, and 7 Nigerians) from the Qanfoudah Immigration Detention Center via Benina International Airport in Benghazi. All individuals were deported for violating Libyan laws,” the tweet stated.
This latest deportation follows a similar operation earlier this year, when 323 illegal Nigerian migrants were returned to Nigeria on January 30, 2024. Channels Television reported that these individuals were flown back through Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli, following cooperation between Libyan authorities and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Libyan immigration laws stipulate that all foreign nationals who fail to meet entry or exit requirements, or who do not regularize their stay, are classified as irregular migrants. Such individuals can face penalties, including imprisonment, fines, deportation, and detention. The IOM’s study on Libya’s migration policies emphasizes that deportation is often the default response for minor immigration offenses due to the country’s strict regulations.
Under Libyan Law 6/1987, individuals can be deported for reasons such as entering the country without a valid visa, overstaying their authorized residence, or having their residence visa revoked. If deportation is ordered, migrants are usually given up to 15 days to leave the country, as per Article 9 of Regulation 125/2005.
Although Libya established a court and prosecution office in 2006 to handle irregular migration cases, the court has yet to become fully operational, and a committee to monitor arrests and deportations is also inactive.
The IOM reports that under Libyan Law 19/2010, irregular migrants are subject to penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or deportation, depending on the nature of their violations.
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