26/12/2025
IOM Libya - Weekly report on Irregular Migration from Libya
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a total of 307 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya between 14 and 20 December 2025. Specific incidents included 176 migrants intercepted near Azzawya on 16 December (including 16 women, 6 children, 1 death, and 1 missing), 89 migrants near Zawiya on 19 December, and two separate interceptions near Tobruk: 65 migrants on 17 December (including 15 women) and 77 migrants on 19 December.
Cumulative data for 2025 indicates that 26,635 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya, comprising 23,126 men, 2,336 women, 965 children, and 208 individuals with no available gender data. Additionally, 1,190 deaths or missing persons were recorded along the Central Mediterranean route from 1 January to 20 December 2025.
Historical figures show that in 2024, 21,762 migrants were intercepted and returned, with 665 deaths and 1,034 missing, while in 2023, 17,190 migrants were intercepted and returned, with 962 deaths and 1,536 missing.
The IOM clarified that it is not involved in rescue or interception operations and does not consider Libya a safe port for migrants.