Libyan authorities have deported 59 undocumented migrants from various nationalities, including individuals diagnosed with AIDS and hepatitis.
This action, taken by the Anti-Illegal Immigration Department in Tobruk, highlights ongoing challenges in managing migrant health and safety in the region.
In a statement, the department disclosed that the deported migrants comprised six Sudanese nationals, including one person with AIDS, and two Nigerian nationals.
The majority of the deportees were Egyptian nationals, with some diagnosed with hepatitis.
The Anti-Illegal Immigration Department confirmed that the deportations were conducted in accordance with established procedures, ensuring that the individuals were safely repatriated to their home countries.
Libya has been a major transit point for migrants seeking to reach Europe, often via perilous sea journeys across the Mediterranean.
The country has struggled with a high volume of migrants and asylum seekers, many of whom live in overcrowded detention centers with poor sanitary conditions.
Human rights organizations have frequently raised concerns about the treatment of migrants in Libya, citing issues such as inadequate medical care, violence, and abuse.
Health challenges among migrant populations in Libya are significant, with diseases like AIDS and hepatitis posing serious public health risks.
The Libyan healthcare system, already strained by years of conflict and instability, faces difficulties in providing adequate care and containment for infectious diseases among both the local population and migrants.
The deportation of these 59 migrants underscores the complex interplay of migration, health, and security in Libya.
The presence of communicable diseases among migrants adds another layer of complexity to the already challenging task of managing illegal immigration and ensuring public health.