The head of the Misrata Youth Movement, Ahmed Al-Ghouj, considered the increasing flows of irregular migrants in the city to have led to unfamiliar scenes and unlawful acts, warning of its repercussions on national security, demographics, and job opportunities.
In a statement to the Turkey-based “Libya Al-Ahrar” channel, Al-Ghouj said: “We, the city’s residents, see them on the streets daily and in crowded conditions, and on Fridays in Misrata, it’s as if you are in an African city, not a Libyan one.” He pointed out that security authorities have conducted raids on overcrowded residential quarters, but they remain limited and do not amount to a serious confrontation of the phenomenon.
Al-Ghouj stressed that the popular movement demands that the Libyan state implement Law No. 19 of 2010 concerning the registration and regulation of irregular migrants, issuing them cards, and benefiting from them through the payment of residency and registration taxes. He also emphasized the need to hold accountable those who shelter and smuggle them, facilitating their presence.
He pointed out that the settlement of migrants has significant effects on the level of demographic change in Libya, in addition to depriving Libyans of job opportunities. He explained that medical staff in hospitals are predominantly foreign nurses from Sudan, in addition to the migrants’ illegal use of public squares.
Al-Ghouj warned of the risks of epidemics spreading, saying: “They should be issued health certificates, but there are unscrupulous individuals who grant them forged certificates, and this is a danger to us and our children,” mentioning the spread of cholera in Sudan as one of the health concerns.
He confirmed that the movement will approach the Municipal Council to review its plans regarding the implementation of the law or any alternative proposals, adding that the movement will show its readiness to cooperate in a way that serves the country’s interest.