Al-Baour: No foreign entity can impose migrant resettlement on Libya

The Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs in Libya’s Government of National Unity, Taher Al-Baour, has reiterated the government’s firm opposition to any plans aimed at resettling irregular migrants in Libya, stressing that decisions related to settlement remain a sovereign matter that cannot be imposed by any external party or organisation.

Speaking in an interview with Libya Al-Ahrar TV, Al-Baour said the recent rise in migration flows was driven by a combination of global political and economic challenges, as well as Libya’s fragile security environment and ongoing political divisions, which have contributed to the country becoming a major transit route for migrants seeking to reach Europe.

Libya will not become a “third country”

Al-Baour said the European Union had not proposed turning Libya into a “third country” for hosting migrants. He noted that Tripoli had previously rejected a European migration pact that envisaged returning migrants to their points of departure.

He added that Libya lacks the capacity to bear the financial and logistical burden associated with managing large numbers of migrants, stressing that cooperation with the European Union and international organisations is focused exclusively on voluntary return programmes, deportation procedures and humanitarian assistance for stranded migrants.

Refugee cards intended for relocation, not settlement

Addressing the role of international organisations, Al-Baour revealed that the United Nations Support Mission in Libya had recently called for a review of legal agreements signed with Libyan authorities over previous years.

He explained that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees issues refugee cards to nationals of only seven countries: Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen, Syria and Palestine. According to Al-Baour, these documents are intended to facilitate the transfer of recognised refugees to third countries rather than allowing them to remain permanently in Libya.

He added that such cards are issued only in coordination with Libya’s Interior Ministry and relevant security authorities.

Al-Baour said Libyan authorities, working alongside the International Organization for Migration and UNHCR, had facilitated the return or relocation of more than 30,000 migrants, including around 9,000 through UNHCR programmes alone. He attributed the growing number of migrants remaining in Libya to low acceptance rates in destination countries.

Libya needs regulated foreign labour

Despite concerns over irregular migration, Al-Baour acknowledged Libya’s need for foreign workers to support development projects across the country.

He stressed, however, that labour migration must be properly regulated and managed through legal channels. The priority, he said, should be to halt irregular migration flows and deport individuals who are not suitable for employment opportunities in Libya.

Al-Baour also urged civil society activists to avoid allowing their concerns over migration to result in disorder or acts of violence.

No agreement with Ukraine

On regional and international issues, Al-Baour denied reports that Libya had signed any agreement with Ukraine allowing Ukrainian forces to be stationed in the country.

He also dismissed suggestions of tensions between Tripoli and Cairo, saying coordination and communication between Libya and Egypt remain ongoing at the highest levels.

US supports stability efforts

Al-Baour further stated that the United States is interested in seeing a stable Libya and welcomed any international initiative aimed at promoting security and stability in the country.

He said Libya remains open to constructive international efforts that contribute to restoring peace and strengthening state institutions.