Sirte – The Libyan Ministry of Labor and Rehabilitation has reaffirmed its firm and sovereign opposition to any projects, arrangements, or measures that could alter Libya’s demographic makeup. The ministry stressed its categorical rejection of both direct and indirect channels for settling foreigners or irregular migrants within Libyan territory, citing Law No. 24 of 2023 on combating the settlement of foreigners in Libya.
In a statement issued Thursday, the ministry reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law and protecting national security. It emphasized that Libya respects migrant workers who enter the country through official channels and in accordance with the approved legal and regulatory procedures.
The ministry also pledged to safeguard the rights of compliant foreign workers and employers within a framework that preserves state sovereignty and labor market stability. It said these measures aim to prevent chaos and unlawful practices, and to block any attempts to exploit labor policies to advance unauthorized settlement projects.
According to Article 5 of Law No. 24 of 2023, no individual or entity may employ a foreigner without a labor permit from the ministry. It is also prohibited to provide housing or any accommodation to foreigners if it is known their intent is to settle. The law bans allowing foreigners to stay after their employment ends, and obligates the prompt notification of authorities upon the termination of employment.
The ministry expressed its high appreciation for the role played by the General Command of the Libyan Armed Forces under Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, as well as his deputy, General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, and all relevant security bodies in protecting Libya’s national security and countering irregular migration.
The ministry also voiced full support for the statement issued Wednesday by Prime Minister Osama Hammad, which rejected the settlement of irregular migrants and affirmed the importance of preserving Libya’s demographic structure and national security.
The ministry noted that legal foreign labor is accepted only under strict conditions: entry through official points with valid passports and visas, prior security approvals, an official work permit from the ministry, a legal employment contract, and completion of residency procedures with the Department of Passports, Nationality, and Foreign Affairs.
Additional regulations include prohibiting foreigners from working in jobs reserved exclusively for Libyan nationals, as specified by Ministerial Decision No. 110 of 2025 on the rules for recruiting and employing non-Libyans.
The ministry stressed that group housing for foreign workers is allowed only in exceptional cases tied to major strategic projects, such as industrial zones, road construction, international airports, or significant service projects. Such housing must be located within the project, strictly limited to the duration of work, and subject to rigorous security and health oversight. These conditions are designed to prevent unauthorized and permanent settlements in Libyan cities and rural areas.
The Ministry of Labor and Rehabilitation said it is continuously monitoring the organization of the labor market and addressing violations through field inspections and enforcement campaigns conducted by judicial inspectors and all regional labor offices, in coordination with security authorities.
The statement, signed by Minister Abdullah Al-Sharif Arhouma, concluded by stressing the ministry’s commitment to the full enforcement of Labor Relations Law No. 12 of 2010, especially regarding foreign labor and the regulation of the Libyan labor market. The ministry reaffirmed its adherence to Law No. 24 of 2023 on combating the settlement of foreigners and called on all government, security, and regulatory bodies to address the issue of foreign settlement and to manage migrant labor in accordance with Libyan laws and regulations.