Libya deports more than 100 African migrants

Libyan authorities on Tuesday deported around 140 African migrants, who had previously arrived in Tripoli illegally via the Mediterranean.

Head of Protocol at Libya’s Illegal Immigration Body, Abdel Razek Sheneit said Libya has been working with the International Organization for Migration to arrange for the safe return of the migrants.

He said the migrants, who are from Nigeria, have been held in shelters in Tripoli for around three months.

“We are currently in the process of deporting 140 migrants who are originally from Nigeria. These migrants have been in various shelters in Tripoli for around two to three months. The deportation office has been coordinating with the International Organization for Migration, and now they have arrived at Mitiga International Airport,” he added.

Some 1.4 million refugees and migrants arrived in Europe this year and last and the European Union wants to cut back on the uncontrolled influx of people.

The EU on Thursday offered Niger 610 million euros to curtail migration from Africa through the Mediterranean to Europe.

“I’m since three months in Libya. I’m very happy to go back to my country, no problem, thank you,”

Earlier this month, Libyan authorities announced that there were around 1796 African migrants, who had been captured at sea, and were being held in the city of Gheryan.