Substantial financial package will support Libya in returning
African migrants to their home countries before they make the
journey to Europe.
It comes as record numbers of migrants are crossing the
Mediterranean, with 150,000 making the dangerous and illegal
journey last year.
Minister for Countering Illegal Migration also observed work
between the National Crime Agency and Libyan law enforcement to
tackle people smuggling gangs.
The UK has pledged up to £1 million to tackle illegal migration
in Libya, amid record arrivals into Europe from north
Africa.
Minister for Countering Illegal Migration, , announced the funding
package during a visit to the country earlier this week, to see
firsthand how the support needed to stem small boats from the
North African nation.
The money will support the protection of migrants in Libya and
help prevent journeys to Europe by tackling the root causes of
illegal migration and facilitating the voluntary return of
migrants to their home countries.
The Minister discussed this challenge in talks with Prime
Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh on a two-day visit, which also
included engagements in neighbouring Tunisia, as well as meetings
with representatives from the EU, UN, France, Germany and Malta
in Tripoli.
More than 150,000 migrants arrived in Italy by sea last year
having crossed the Mediterranean – an all-time record number –
with many of these crossings departing from Libya.
During his visit, the Minister observed the close cooperation
between Libyan law enforcement and the UK’s National Crime Agency
to disrupt and dismantle people smuggling gangs driving illegal
migration towards Europe.
He also met with officials from the International Organisation
for Migration (IOM) and saw first-hand their work to prevent
human trafficking and support the protection of migrants on a
visit to a migrant centre in Tripoli, as well as their
reintegration support to migrants being returned to their
countries of origin.
Minister for Countering Illegal Migration, , said:
“Tackling the global migration crisis and smashing the evil gangs
who drive it are shared challenges that must be met with a shared
response. The work I have seen first-hand here in Libya and
across north Africa is absolutely critical, but we know there is
more that must be done.
“The funding and support we are providing will mean Libya is
better equipped to stop people risking their lives to reach
Europe. It also demonstrates our commitment to crack down on
people smugglers operating not just in the English Channel, but
across the whole world.”
The government has already made good progress on the Prime
Minister’s plan to stop the boats thanks, in part, to
international co-operation. The number of migrants crossing
the Channel dropped by 36% last year, despite sea arrivals into
Europe soaring by more than 70%.
The engagements in Tunisia are part of the UK’s programme to
build its relationship with the country, tackle organised
criminal gangs and work together with international partners to
facilitate voluntary returns.
Last month, the UK agreed a new working arrangement with the EU
to enhance the extensive work the government is already doing
with international partners to tackle migration.
Cooperation between UK border agencies and Frontex, the European
Border and Coast Guard Agency, will strengthen the UK’s efforts
to stop the boats and secure borders against illegal migration in
the Channel, along the EU’s border and further afield.
