Egypt returns 1,379 citizens from Libya in illegal migration cases

CAIRO – 10 May 2026: Cairo said it has successfully secured the release and return of 1,379 Egyptian nationals involved in illegal migration cases in Libya between January 1 and the end of April.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the efforts led to the release of 508 Egyptians who had been held in Tripoli, in addition to 871 others detained in Benghazi, in coordination with Libyan authorities.

Egypt also confirmed returning 94 bodies of Egyptians who died in drowning incidents involving boats used in illegal migration, as well as the remains of five nationals identified through DNA testing after their bodies were recovered off the Tunisian coast.

The foreign ministry reiterated its appeal to citizens to avoid falling into the trap of illegal migration or engaging with smuggling networks.

The ministry stressed the importance of complying with entry regulations in neighboring countries by obtaining visas and verified work contracts.

Fighting Illegal Migration

Egypt has been striving over the past decade to curb illegal migration through Libya, a key transit route for migrants heading to Europe.

Egypt’s strategy to combat illegal migration relies on a comprehensive approach combining tightened border security, legal reforms, and socioeconomic development aimed at addressing the root causes of the issue.

Egypt’s Law 82/2016 imposes heavy penalties on migrant smuggling, the establishment of criminal networks for that purpose, or facilitating such activities, including prison sentences and fines depending on the case.

Meanwhile, Egypt has coordinated with Libya to repatriate hundreds of citizens involved in illegal migration cases.

The foreign ministry said earlier it repatriated more than 3,000 Egyptians involved in illegal migration cases in 2025, and also recovered over 300 bodies following the sinking of migrant boats off the Libyan coast.

Egypt has been actively promoting legal migration and mobility channels with European countries, including cooperation with Greece on skilled and seasonal labour opportunities.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in April urged integrated partnership with Europe on migration during a speech at a summit meeting involving several Arab, European and EU leaders in Nicosia last month.

El-Sisi said such cooperation needs to include support for job creation, development and capacity-building, and provision of pathways for regular migration and mobility for study and work.