Hommam Al Nassim 
The Interior Ministry of the Libyan government, charged by the House of Representatives, announced on Saturday the arrest of a number of illegal immigrants in the southeastern city of Kufra.
According to a statement issued by the ministry’s security media office, intelligence information indicated the existence of a house used as a shelter for a number of illegal immigrants, and elements of the joint security emergency room in the southeast raided the place.
The statement pointed out that the raid resulted in the arrest of a number of illegal immigrants of different African nationalities, and they were transferred to the chamber’s headquarters to take the necessary legal measures against them.
The statement stressed that the operation also resulted in the seizure of property and materials found in the possession of the migrants.
It is estimated that there are more than 600,000 migrants from more than 44 nationalities currently in Libya, most of whom are undocumented and living in vulnerable conditions.
Libyan law criminalizes illegal entry, exit and living in the country and imposes penalties including detention and deportation.
Libya is a major transit point for migrants wishing to reach Europe, due to its geographical location and extensive sea and land borders. The deteriorating security situation and the instability of the State facilitated smuggling and illegal migration.
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