Latest news with #IOMLibya
Libya Herald
12-06-2025
- General
- Libya Herald
IOM delivers training to over 180 Libyan youth
IOM Libya announced yesterday that over 180 Libyan youth graduated from its YESS Centres in Tripoli, Benghazi, Sabha and Misrata. The youth received training in fashion design, plumbing, air conditioning, graphic design, administration skills, flight booking, reception and other areas. The training was conducted with support from the EU and Italy. Tags: IOM International Organization for Migration Libyayouth training
Libya Review
12-06-2025
- General
- Libya Review
IOM: 100,000 Migrants Returned Home from Libya Since 2015
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has announced a major milestone, revealing that more than 100,000 migrants have voluntarily returned home from Libya since 2015 under its Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme. The figure highlights a decade of IOM's efforts to support migrants stranded across Libya in unsafe conditions, providing them with a safe and dignified way to return to their home countries. According to IOM, migrants returned to 49 countries across Africa and Asia, including Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Bangladesh and The Gambia. Of the total, nearly 73,000 were men, around 17,000 were women, and over 10,000 were children—many of them unaccompanied. Nicoletta Giordano, Chief of Mission at IOM Libya, said the programme remains essential amid high protection risks and limited legal migration pathways. 'VHR offers a crucial, life-saving option for those who wish to return home,' she said. The VHR programme provides comprehensive support before departure and after return, including travel document assistance, health checks, psychosocial support, and reintegration help. IOM stressed that all returns are voluntary and based on informed consent, even when options are limited. The organisation uses strong monitoring and evaluation tools to ensure accountability and improve assistance. Just last week, IOM arranged five return flights—from Benghazi, Sebha, and Misrata—demonstrating the broad reach of the programme. Among those helped are John and Temnaia, a Nigerian couple who met in Libya. After the birth of their daughter, they struggled to find opportunities for her future. 'We didn't see a future for her here,' John said, underscoring the importance of the VHR route. While IOM continues to support voluntary returns, it remains concerned about the risks facing migrants along the Central Mediterranean route. Tags: ImmigrationIOMlibyamigrantsVHR
Libya Review
02-06-2025
- General
- Libya Review
IOM: 300 Migrants Returned to Libya in a Week
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that between 25 and 31 May 2025, a total of 300 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libyan shores. These figures reflect the persistent challenges facing migration management in Libya, a key transit point on the Central Mediterranean migration route to Europe. The update, released on IOM Libya's official X account (formerly Twitter), highlights that interceptions took place off the coast of several key locations, including Zuwara, Sabratha, Azzawiya, Tripoli, and Al-Khums. The organisation's maritime report confirms that Libya's western coast continues to serve as the primary departure zone for irregular migration attempts across the Mediterranean. So far in 2025, IOM has documented the return of 9,585 migrants to Libya. This includes 8,147 men, 960 women, and 333 children. The report also noted that 145 of these migrants were unaccompanied minors or individuals with specific needs, underscoring the vulnerability of those undertaking the perilous journey. From January to 31 May 2025, at least 233 migrants have died and 225 remain missing along this dangerous route. In 2024 alone, 21,762 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya, while 665 deaths and 1,034 missing persons were recorded. The year prior, in 2023, saw 17,190 migrants intercepted with 962 deaths and 1,536 missing. Despite these numbers, IOM reiterates that Libya does not qualify as a safe port for migrants, and the agency does not participate in interception operations, instead providing support at disembarkation points. As migration pressures remain high, international organisations continue to urge for durable solutions that prioritise migrant safety, uphold human rights, and address the root causes of irregular migration. Tags: ImmigrationIOMlibyaMediterraneanmigrants
