The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Tuesday it had successfully facilitated the voluntary return of 133 Pakistani migrants from Libya back to Islamabad. These migrants had found themselves stranded in a country grappling with instability and disorder since the 2011 ouster of dictator Moammar Gadhafi. The operation was part of the IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarian Return Program, aimed at providing a safe return for migrants caught in Libya’s challenging conditions.
Libya, a key transit point for migrants aspiring to reach European shores, has seen a significant influx, primarily of African migrants, attempting perilous crossings over the Mediterranean Sea. The situation has drawn international attention to the dire circumstances faced by migrants in Libya, prompting efforts to secure their safe repatriation.
The recent initiative by the IOM underscores the ongoing humanitarian efforts to assist migrants in returning to their countries of origin under safer conditions. Libyan Interior Minister Emad Trabelsi has announced plans to further these efforts by repatriating over 20,000 illegal migrants within the year.