Irregular Migration in Libya and its Societal, Security, and Economic Impacts

Irregular Migration in Libya and its Societal, Security, and Economic Impacts

Latifa Fathallah Al-Arifi

Department of Sociology, Faculty of Education, Al-Zahraa/Al-Jafara University, Libya

Lutfiaalarife73@aju.edu.ly

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3592-6710

Abstract:-

This study aimed to analyze the phenomenon of irregular migration in Libya and identify its social, security, and economic impacts in light of the political and security transformations that the country has experienced since 2011. The study adopted the descriptive-analytical approach through reviewing scientific literature, international reports, and recent statistics issued by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The findings revealed that the number of irregular migrants in Libya reached approximately 939,638 migrants in 2025, representing more than 40 different nationalities. Males constituted 87% of migrants, while females represented 9% and children 4%. The study also showed that Libya has become a major transit point due to its extensive land borders stretching thousands of kilometers and its coastline exceeding 1,900 km along the Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, the results indicated that nearly 1,000 migrant deaths were recorded off the Libyan coast during 2023, in addition to the interception and return of more than 26,635 migrants in 2025. The study demonstrated that irregular migration has increased pressure on public services, expanded the informal economy, and contributed to the rise of organized crime and human trafficking, in addition to weakening social cohesion due to competition over resources and employment opportunities. The study concluded that addressing irregular migration requires a comprehensive national strategy aimed at strengthening political and security stability and enhancing regional and international cooperation to reduce the impacts of irregular migration.

Keywords : Irregular Migration, Libya, Social Impacts, Security Impacts, Economic Impacts, Social Cohesion, Organized Crime, National Security.