Protesters on Tuesday shut down the official office of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Tripoli, in protest against the way illegal migration is being managed and what they describe as efforts to “resettle migrants” in Libya.
A number of demonstrators gathered outside the organization’s headquarters and blocked its entrances with earth barriers, calling for the suspension of its activities. Protesters carried slogans such as, “No entry, no resettlement, Libya for Libyans,” while also demanding the deportation of illegal migrants to their countries of origin.
The action comes amid a wave of protests that has continued for nearly two weeks in several parts of the country, following growing controversy over illegal migration and public concerns about the increasing number of migrants and its impact on Libya’s security, economy, and social conditions.
Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh has denied the existence of any plans to resettle migrants in Libya, stressing that his government is carrying out deportation operations within its available capabilities but requires greater international support to address the phenomenon.
The closure of the IOM office came just days after protests targeted the offices of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in Tripoli, reflecting growing public sensitivity toward migration-related issues.
Meanwhile, human rights organizations have warned against the rise of hate speech and incitement targeting migrants, amid reports that some have been subjected to attacks and abuses. They called for addressing the issue through legal and humanitarian frameworks.
Illegal migration remains one of Libya’s most significant challenges, given its role as a major transit point toward Europe. Large numbers of migrants from sub-Saharan African countries continue to arrive in the country, placing additional pressure on security, public services, and the labor market.
