The Tripoli based Libyan government issued a circular last Thursday (11 June) temporarily suspending the visa-on-arrival system at airports and border crossings, as part of efforts ‘‘to regulate the entry of foreigners into Libya and strengthen border control’’.
The circular stipulates that the measure will remain in effect from the date of its issuance until the visa issuance mechanisms are reviewed and standardized, and controls and procedures are put in place to prevent any cases of forgery or exploitation and ensure compliance with applicable legislation.
The Ministry of Interior and the Passports, Nationality and Foreigners Affairs Authority were tasked with preparing a comprehensive plan for regulating visa issuance procedures and submitting it to the Prime Minister's office within 30 days.
This plan must include the necessary technical, security, and administrative controls to ensure its proper implementation.
Motives for the move?
Beyond the Tripoli Libyan government’s official stance that the visa-on-arrival system at airports and border crossings is being suspended while it is being reviewed over the next 30 days, it is unclear why exactly PM Aldabaiba has initiated this move.
One clear motive could be a response to the wave of anti-illegal migration mood that is sweeping Libya.
This sentiment has manifested itself in the "No to Settlement and No to Naturalisation. Libya for Libyans’’ movement that has been rallying Libyans across the country to resist the perceived settlement, resettlement or naturalisation of illegal migrants or refugees in the country.
However, the estimated millions of illegal migrants in Libya enter Libya by traversing the Sahara Desert and not through official border crossings. The majority of these have no documentation, let alone passports to receive a visa-on-arrival. So, it is unclear what the Aldabaiba government is aiming it beyond spin to temper the populist move.
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