Malta agrees to tackle irregular migration in Libya  

Malta has signed an agreement with Libya to curb irregular migration to Europe through the Mediterranean.

The agreement involves the establishment of two coordination centres that will “offer the necessary support relating to combatting illegal immigration in Libya and the Mediterranean region,” according to the memorandum of understanding signed by Malta and Libya on 28 May.  The centres will be located in the Libyan capital, Tripoli and the Maltese capital Valletta.

Libya has been a major gateway for irregular migrants reaching Europe through the Mediterranean. More than 1,200 migrants entered Malta from Libya in the first four months of 2020.

TMP_05/06/2020

Photo credit: iStock/JannHuizenga

Photo caption: Some African migrants on queue to have breakfast in a restaurant