Eastern Libya Bans Iranian and Afghan Nationals From Entering Territory
Libya’s eastern-based government has banned Iranian and Afghan nationals from entering territory under its administration through all land, sea and air ports, extending its restrictions on foreign nationals.
The decision was announced late Wednesday, October 28, by the administration led by Osama Hamad, which is based in Benghazi and allied with military commander Khalifa Haftar.
The government did not provide a reason for the ban. It directed the Interior Ministry to enforce the measure and deport Iranian and Afghan nationals who do not hold valid Libyan residence permits.
Exemptions apply to accredited diplomatic and consular personnel and their families, as well as people working in medical and educational professions who have the required work authorisations.
The measure follows similar restrictions imposed by the eastern administration in June on nationals of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, which it described as part of a reorganisation of foreign nationals’ entry into Libya.
Libya has remained divided between rival eastern and western administrations since 2014. The internationally recognised government, led by Abdulhamid Dbeibah, is based in Tripoli, while Hamad’s administration operates from the east.
The North African country is also a major transit point for migrants seeking to reach Europe across the Mediterranean. United Nations data cited in recent reporting indicated that Libya hosted more than 900,000 migrants as of June.
The latest decision adds to restrictions governing the movement and residency of foreign nationals in the divided country.
