Libya appeals to US for removal from Trump travel ban list

Libya’s internationally recognised government has appealed to the United States to drop or ease a travel ban imposed on its citizens by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“The Libyan Foreign Ministry, through its embassy in Washington, has begun to take measures to lift Libya from the list of countries and to ease the restrictions on Libyan citizens,” the ministry said in a statement.

Libya’s parallel government aligned with dominant figure Khalifa Haftar had in September banned American travelers from entering the country in retaliation to the travel ban.

Libya, along with Chad and Somalia are the three African countries on the list of countries affected by the travel ban that the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday allowed to take full effect while litigation over its ultimate validity continues.

The ban places restrictions on citizens of countries on the list including barring entry into the United States for work, study or vacationing and revoking ability to emigrate to the United States permanently.

According to the same statement from Libya’s foreign ministry, the ban was also discussed at a meeting between Libyan Foreign Minister Mohamed Siyala and U.S Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke.