Over 500 migrants intercepted off Libyan coast in one week, reports IOM

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on Monday March 10 that 563 migrants were intercepted off the Libyan coast between March 2 and 8.

The migrants, including 43 women and 12 children, were returned to Libya, with one migrant’s body recovered during the operation. The IOM’s statement highlighted the ongoing dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Libya, a route which remains perilous despite international efforts to curb such migration.

Since the beginning of this year, a total of 4,767 migrants have been intercepted and returned to Libya, according to IOM data. The central Mediterranean route remains one of the deadliest migration paths, with 82 fatalities and 58 missing persons recorded so far. The ongoing instability in Libya, following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, has led many migrants, predominantly from Africa, to attempt the perilous journey to Europe via Libyan shores.

In response to recent claims circulating on social media about Libya’s intention to resettle undocumented migrants, the Government of National Unity rejected the reports as “completely false”. This came after speculation arose from a meeting between Libya’s Minister of Local Governance, Badr Al-Din Al-Toumi, and IOM’s Chief of Mission in Libya, Nicoletta Giordano.

Meanwhile, Libyan Interior Minister Emad al-Tarabelsi called for greater UN support to assist in the voluntary return of migrants to their home countries, warning that forced deportations may become necessary if international aid fails to materialize.