Libya closes 10 international aid groups over alleged illegal immigration support

Libya’s Internal Security Agency has taken the step of shutting down ten international organizations operating in the country, including the prominent International Relief Organization, accusing them of facilitating the settlement of illegal immigrants without the necessary permissions.

The closures were announced on April 2 in a statement monitored by the ‘Libyan Express’, which highlighted concerns over the unauthorized nature of these activities. These organizations were reportedly providing essential supplies such as food, medicine, clothing, and sanitary products to migrants, in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The government has raised alarms, asserting that these humanitarian actions were carried out without oversight or formal approval from Libyan authorities. Officials have gone as far as claiming that the support provided by these groups effectively encouraged the settlement of irregular migrants, thus circumventing the country’s legal processes. This move reflects Libya’s growing concerns about migration and the management of foreign aid directed towards migrant populations within its borders.

While the statement from the security agency did not reveal the specific names of all the organizations impacted, it did stress the severity of the action. It remains unclear whether the closures are intended to be temporary or permanent. This decision comes as part of broader efforts by the Libyan government to assert greater control over migration management, in line with recent agreements, such as those made with Italy, to tighten security measures and regulate migration flows more effectively.