IOMIn a step towards regularizing labour migration, Libya and Niger today signed a memorandum of understanding that seeks to protect migrant workers through effective work visa issuance before employment and to better respond to Libya’s labour market needs. “It will also contribute to combat migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons and promote safe and regular migration pathways.”Federico Soda, Chief of Mission for IOM Libya, said it is essential to strengthen coordination and cooperation mechanisms on migration management and labour mobility across the countries’ borders. “There are more than 600,000 international migrants in Libya, with Nigerien nationals the most prominent group at 20 per cent,” he said. In response to these risks, IOM has closely worked with Libyan and Nigerien governments to strengthen their capacities in various areas, including labour migration, migration data and migrant protection. Building on the experience from Niger, the aim is to foster dialogue and pave the way towards establishing a framework of international cooperation in the area of labour mobility between Libya and key countries of origin.

Source: Libya Today November 30, 2021 13:56 UTC