Egypt repatriates over 2,600 nationals from Libya in 2025

CAIRO, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Egypt has repatriated 2,635 nationals from Libya since the beginning of 2025 as part of its ongoing efforts to protect its citizens abroad, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday.

The repatriated included 1,132 citizens from Tripoli and western Libya, and more than 1,500 from Benghazi and eastern Libya, it added.

Egypt has been stepping up coordination with Libyan authorities to find Egyptian citizens reported missing or detained in Libya by their families, the statement said.

The move reflects Egypt's commitment to locating its citizens and ensuring their safety amid challenges of illegal migration and weak security conditions in Libya, it added.

Libya remains a major departure point for migrants heading to Europe each year, while Egypt has stepped up efforts to curb irregular migration through a national strategy aimed at preventing its territory from being used as a transit route.

Last week, 14 Egyptians died after a migrant boat sank en route from Libya to Greece. ■