Libya shuts four migration detention centers in western region

African immigrants arrive in Tripoli after being detained by the Libyan coastguard (Reuters)

Libya’s Illegal Immigration Agency issued a decision Wednesday to close four shelters in western region, without giving a specific reason.

The chief of the Illegal Immigration Agency Brigadier General Mohamed Beshr described the decision, which came days after his meeting with Francesco Masini, envoy of the Dutch Foreign Minister, as being in the interest of the public and the department’s work organization.

The topics discussed at the meeting were the contributions pledged by the Netherlands and the maintenance of immigrant shelters in Libya.

Libyan immigrant reception centers house thousands of migrants, mostly Africans, rescued in the Mediterranean on boats while attempting to cross to European shores.

Sheltering illegal immigrants in Libya has been suffering major problems, particularly in equipment and infrastructure.