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Libyan Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, has affirmed that Libya will not become a destination for irregular migration and that the security and stability of the Libyan people are a red line. This statement comes as an attempt to appease Libyans following a wave of public outrage over reports of a secret agreement to push forward a migrant resettlement plan.

Recent reports suggest that certain international organizations have been working within the framework of an integration program aimed at resettling thousands of migrants in Libya. Libyan circles have expressed skepticism about Dbeibeh’s intentions, suspecting that he seeks regional and international support to maintain power. He frequently presents himself as a cooperative partner willing to work with the international community on various issues.

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Many voices on social media have rejected this approach.

It appears that Dbeibeh has realized the potential political fallout of such a deal. On Thursday, he convened a meeting with top officials to discuss security and economic challenges arising from the influx of illegal migrants and to adopt urgent measures to tighten border control and combat smuggling and human trafficking. He denied the rumors of government plans to resettle migrants, asserting a firm rejection of any such arrangement.

During the meeting, Acting Interior Minister Major General Imad Trabelsi stated that the ministry deported 20,000 irregular migrants in 2023 and 32,000 since the beginning of 2024. These efforts are part of intensified security measures to secure borders and combat illegal migration, according to the Libyan News Agency (LANA).

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Dbeibah also highlighted his government’s efforts to hold the international community accountable for its responsibilities, emphasizing that Libya cannot bear the burden of border security alone. He called on the European Union to provide the necessary support to address this issue.

At the end of the meeting, Dbeibeh reiterated that Libya would not succumb to pressure or compromises regarding migration. He urged the Libyan people not to be swayed by misleading rumors and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s security and stability.

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Dbeibeh’s denial comes amid intense public debate over a potential plan to resettle and distribute irregular migrants across Libyan cities. It also precedes scheduled public protests condemning the project and demanding stricter migration controls and the deportation of migrants.

Many Libyans view migrant resettlement as a threat to the country’s demographic composition, fearing it could alter Libya’s national identity. Given Libya’s relatively low population density, this issue is particularly sensitive.

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Furthermore, Libya suffers from ongoing security instability, and many believe that resettling migrants could exacerbate security concerns. There are also fears that some migrants may have links to criminal or terrorist groups.

Libyans are also concerned that migrant resettlement would place additional strain on the country’s already struggling economy, further worsening living conditions. Libya has long faced economic crises, and accommodating large numbers of migrants could deepen these challenges. Additionally, migrants could be used as a political bargaining chip by certain countries or international organizations, potentially leading to further political divisions within Libya.

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According to Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi, Libya currently hosts approximately 2.5 million foreigners, accounting for nearly one-third of the native population. He added that 70–80% of them entered the country illegally through easily penetrable border areas.

Trabelsi warned against efforts by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to resettle irregular migrants in Libya. He stated, “Some NGOs are pushing for Libya to become a ‘third country’—meaning that after migrants attempt to reach Europe but fail, they would be resettled in Libya, leaving our country to bear the social and political costs.”

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Observers of Libyan affairs confirm that the issue of resettlement has been under discussion for over two years. Some Western parties advocate for resettling irregular migrants in Libya, arguing that the country has vast land, abundant natural resources, and a need for labor, making it an attractive destination for migrants from Africa and Asia. However, strong public opposition remains the primary obstacle to such proposals.

Several political and social entities in Libya have issued statements rejecting migrant resettlement, with widespread public consensus against it.

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In this context, the United Nations Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed concern in a statement on Thursday about what it described as a “misinformation campaign” aimed at fueling tensions and inciting “hate speech against migrants and refugees in Libya.” The UN warned against the spread of fear and hostility.

In recent hours, rhetoric against irregular migrants has intensified in both media and public discourse. Calls have emerged for strong intervention to deport migrants and remove them from Libya—reflecting growing societal anxiety over illegal migration. However, there are also warnings about the dangers of incitement and hate campaigns against migrants.

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