Opposition grows in Libya against illegal migrant settlement and naturalization, with UNHCR facing criticism
via Libya Herald3 min read
Growing opposition to illegal migrants and refugees in Libya is leading to organized demonstrations, including one held yesterday in Tripoli's Ain Zara district under the banner "No to Settlement. No to Naturalization. Libya is for Libyans." A larger demonstration is planned for tomorrow at the UNHCR's Tripoli headquarters. The "No to Settlement and No to Naturalisation – Libya for Libyans Movement" is leading these efforts, with the UNHCR being a primary target of public anger. Libyan authorities have also responded to this sentiment, calling for migrants in residential areas to relocate. The Benghazi-based House of Representatives issued Statement no. 2/2026 on June 1, 2026, rejecting the settlement and resettlement of irregular migrants and emphasizing Libya's sovereignty and identity as red lines. Frustration with the UNHCR is fueled by its issuance of identity documents to registered migrants, which is seen as a precursor to settlement. Perceived new EU legislation on returning refugees to "third countries," interpreted as Libya, has also intensified this anger. In response to public pressure, the UNHCR has clarified to local Libyan media that it does not implement resettlement programs within Libya, does not replace state institutions, and lacks sovereign powers over migrants. It stated that refugee registration does not alter the state's authority over migration or sovereign decisions regarding foreigners, and that its activities focus on humanitarian protection and so
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Must ReadThe NGO Refugees in Libya, based in Bologna, Italy, has strongly condemned what it describes as a growing campaign of dehumanization targeting migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Libya. The organization, which identifies as a self-organized refugee movement, exposes abuses in Libya, Tunisia, and Niger, documenting torture, detention, and border violence. It demands accountability from the UNHCR and the EU, advocating for dignity, justice, and refugee-led protection. The NGO highlighted that recent announcements in Libya concerning irregular migrants and refugees not only threaten mass evictions but also use language that labels people as “infiltrators” rather than individuals, workers, families, or human beings. This language, it argues, prepares the ground for discrimination, exclusion, and violence. Refugees in Libya questioned where these individuals, many of whom have fled war, persecution, conflict, and humanitarian catastrophe, are expected to go. It noted that stripping them of shelter without providing protection, safe pathways, or humanitarian alternatives does not solve the problem. The NGO also criticized the increasing portrayal of Black Africans as a demographic or security threat, calling such narratives deeply irresponsible as they fuel hostility and legitimize abuse. Refugees in Libya urged Libyan authorities, international institutions, and political leaders to reject hateful language and collective punishment, asserting that no human being is illegal o
The "No to Settlement and No to Naturalisation. Libya for Libyans" movement is organizing Libyans nationwide to oppose the perceived settlement, resettlement, or naturalization of undocumented migrants and refugees. Describing itself as a popular, peaceful, and patriotic movement, it aims to unite various segments of Libyan society to preserve national sovereignty, which it claims is threatened by illegal immigration and other challenges. The movement emphasizes that it is a collective voice of the people, not attributed to any single leader, and seeks to protect the homeland and its sovereignty. It states it does not have hidden agendas and is supported by the Libyan people. The movement highlights marginalized issues such as food security, pharmaceutical security, human security, unemployment, the housing crisis, demographic and religious changes, and population growth due to migrant influx. It also aims to generate media, political, and legal pressure for serious resolutions to these issues, bringing them to national attention. The movement asserts that sovereignty is a red line, and Libya is exclusively for Libyans, rejecting settlement and naturalization. The Tripoli-based Libyan government has also reaffirmed its rejection of the settlement of undocumented refugees or migrants.
Must ReadThe Tripoli-based Libyan government has reiterated its firm opposition to any proposals for settling migrants within Libya. This stance was affirmed during an expanded meeting at the Administrative Control Authority, attended by the Minister of Labor and Rehabilitation, Ali Al-Abed Al-Rida, the Minister of Interior, Major General Imad Trabelsi, and other officials. The meeting focused on national efforts to address illegal immigration and implement recommendations from a Joint Higher Committee. The government emphasized its commitment to protecting national security, regulating the labor market, securing borders, and combating illegal immigration. The Minister of Labor clarified that his ministry's role is to regulate expatriate workers entering through official channels and that new worker accommodations are strictly for legally contracted employees, not for illegal migrants or refugees, addressing public concerns. The government stressed that its policy does not support the settlement of migrants, aligning with a growing sentiment against illegal refugee settlement, resettlement, or naturalization across Libya.
Must ReadThe Ministry of Economy and Trade announced new measures, effective yesterday, to regulate the import of grains and raw materials. These regulations, outlined in Measure No. 289/2026, aim to restrict imports to actual production units, preventing their resale. The measures specifically target wheat, corn, barley, and soybeans, focusing on combating brokerage and speculation, and linking imported quantities to real production capacities. A control and tracking system will also be activated. The ministry stated that these steps are intended to stabilize prices for feed, meat, poultry, and eggs, ensuring raw materials reach producers to support food security and improve citizens' living standards. The ministry noted a gradual decline in meat prices and improved supply levels in markets following the control of the feed market and regulated import operations.