The parallel authorities installed in the eastern region of Libya have announced a new ban on access for people coming from Iran and Afghanistan to the areas they control. This measure expands the restrictions already in force since June for nationals of four other African countries, without, so far, the reasons for this decision having been publicly explained.
According to the decree released by the Libyan eastern Executive, "the entry of nationals of Afghanistan and Iran into Libyan territory through all land, maritime, and air entry points is prohibited," while at the same time establishing exceptions for "members of diplomatic and consular missions accredited to the Libyan State, as well as their relatives who enjoy the same diplomatic privileges".
The text adds that "Likewise, professionals from the education, medicine, and related health professions sectors are exempted, provided that they have obtained the necessary authorizations and work contracts from the competent ministry, in accordance with current legislation", and insists on the need for the "immediate application" of the order at all border crossings in the territory under its command.
The document bears the signature of the prime minister of the eastern government, Osama Hamad, a close ally of General Jalifa Haftar, leader of the self-styled Libyan National Army (ELN). Both remain opposed to the executive recognized by the international community, based in Tripoli and headed by Abdulhamid Dbeibé.
In June, the authorities in eastern Libya had already decreed the ban on entry for citizens of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan, in the context of what they present as an attempt to contain irregular migration. Libya has established itself in recent years as one of the main transit and departure corridors toward the European coasts.