Tripoli: The Charg© d'Affaires at the Iraqi Embassy in Libya, Ahmed Al-Sahaf, announced today the discovery of 12 Iraqi migrants who entered Libyan territory illegally. The announcement marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address illegal immigration and human smuggling in the region.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sahaf stated, "12 Iraqi migrants who entered Libya illegally were found," and emphasized the embassy's proactive steps in coordinating with Libyan authorities. These steps include verifying the migrants' citizenship as a preliminary measure for their voluntary return to Iraq.
Additionally, Al-Sahaf revealed that the Iraqi Embassy in Libya had previously expressed its readiness to facilitate the repatriation of 41 migrants currently residing at a center for combating illegal immigration located east of the Libyan capital, Tripoli. This commitment underscores the embassy's ongoing efforts to manage the challenges associated with illegal migration.
Al-Sahaf also highlighted a concerning trend, noting that Libya has experienced a surge in the number of Iraqis entering the country over the past year. This increase is seen as indicative of the expanding operations of human smuggling and trafficking networks, posing significant challenges to both Iraqi and Libyan authorities.