Libya - 14 June 2023 - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Libya, facilitated a high-level official visit for Libyan officials to the Kingdom of Spain to discuss an initiative on migrant worker regularization in Libya. Officials from the Libyan Government from different Ministries discussed with their Spanish counterparts the possibility of integrating such programme to the Libyan context.

Supported by the European Union, the official visit, which was held in Madrid and Huelva between 5 and 8 June 2023, was organized in collaboration with IOM Spain and the Spanish governmental counterparts. This initiative marked a milestone in the strong international collaboration across countries on migration governance.

“Irregular status is a significant source of vulnerability for migrants in Libya. This visit is extremely valuable to discuss necessary actions to ensure greater migrant protection” said Tauhid PASHA, Acting Chief of Mission of IOM Libya. “I hope this meeting will lead to some concrete steps that protect migrant workers and meet the needs of the Libyan economy. IOM is on standby to support in any form or shape required.”

This visit builds upon the outcomes of a workshop held in Tunis in December 2022, where IOM Libya presented a feasibility study on migrant regularization in Libya, that provides policy recommendations and suggests future scenarios to regularize migrants in Libya. The study outlines possible solutions to address the vulnerabilities associated with irregular status while meeting labour market demands in Libya. 

The Libyan delegation met key migration stakeholders in Spain, including governmental counterparts, civil society organizations and the private sector and was exposed to the practical implementation of successful regularization programs and circular migration schemes in Spain. The cities of Madrid and Huelva were chosen as ideal locations due to their rich experiences in implementing inclusive policies that promote the rights and integration of migrant workers.

“As the Libyan government delegation, we are representing the Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This visit allows us to closely observe the Spanish experience on labour migration governance, including the circular migration practice.” said the Head of the Libyan Delegation, Mr. Noureddine Abugrida, Head of the Minister Office at the Libyan Ministry of Interior. “The discussions were insightful with good outcomes thanks to being able to meet with different counterparts, relevant line ministries as well as private sector and civil society organizations. In addition, the visit to Huelva was extremely interesting to look at circular migration management in practical terms” 

IOM remains committed to supporting the Libyan government in its efforts to address migration challenges and create sustainable solutions while fostering new partnerships that promote safe, orderly, and regular migration.

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ENDS

For more information, please reach out to IOM Libya: 

Chalank YAHYA at cyahya@iom.int 
Giacomo TERENZI at gterenzi@iom.int