Why a refugee deal with Libya is a bad idea – European Council on Foreign Relations
Royal Navy Media Archive/ Flickr
The Maltese plan is less about managing migration and more about reducing the numbers arriving in Europe at any cost.
This time last year, Europe was just starting the discussions which led to the refugee deal with Turkey, under which migrants arriving in Greece from Turkey are sent back, with Europe resettling a corresponding number of successful asylum applicants from Turkey in return. While far from perfect, that deal was successful in reducing the pressure on Greece and the Balkan countries from the high volume of new arrivals in the year leading up to the deal.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, discussions are now beginning over another possible deal, which would address the Central Mediterranean route of migration from Libya to Italy. Joseph Muscat, the Prime Minister of Malta (which lies between those two countries), has proposed a system under which Libyan and European vessels would intercept migrant boats in Libyan waters, returning them to Libyan ports. In theory, these migrants would be processed by UNHCR and IOM officials funded by the EU. Those that qualify for asylum would be afforded passage to Europe, while those who do not would be resettled in Libya or repatriated to their countries of origin.
The Maltese idea, already discussed at the level of Permanent Representatives of the member states, will be on the table at the EU Council in Malta on 3 February, with the discussion likely continuing in the Foreign Affairs Council the following Monday. The Commission will likely table its proposal as well. But there are several reasons why the Maltese plan should be rejected.
Libya is not Turkey
Unlike Turkey, Libya is in the midst of a civil war, with three rival governments competing for control of law enforcement bodies. Even with the help of UNHCR/IOM officials, it is madness to expect Libya to be able to implement the EUs plans. The EU has already made this mistake when deciding to extend Operation Sophia (the anti-smuggling operation in the Mediterranean) to Libyan waters, upon approval of the Libyan government. Unsurprisingly, the approval never came. As such, rather than being resettled in Libya or repatriated to their countries of origin, it is far more likely that migrants brought back to Libya will end up in detention centres.
Which brings us to the second point. Again, unlike Turkey, Libya has never even tried to ratify international conventions on human rights. Indeed, violations of basic rights in Libya are one of the main push factors for migration to Europe, and migrants arriving in Italy have reported being abused, starved and even raped in Libyan detention centres. These reports recently led an Italian court to recognise a form of protection (though not refugee status) to Nigerian migrants who had come to Italy after years living in Libya. It would be immoral for the EU to pursue a policy which is likely to increase human rights violations of this kind.
Europe is not genuine
The fact that the EU is ready to consider a plan that has such serious flaws tells us that this is not really about improving processes for managing migration, but about reducing at any cost the numbers of migrants arriving on European shores.
This is partly based on the assumption that those coming from Libya (unlike those coming from Syria through Turkey) are predominantly economic migrants, for whom Europe does not have responsibility. But UNHCR data shows that as much as 45% of those who arrived in Italy in the first three quarters of 2016 could qualify for protection. Given the political climate in Europe, it is almost certain that a way would be found to refuse asylum to these people just as the UK is currently doing in relation to Eritrea.
This is not to say that we shouldnt strike a deal with Libya. In order to have managed and orderly migrations we should have as many deals as possible with our neighbours. But these deals should neither destabilise the governments with which we sign them nor betray our commitment to human rights. A European deal with Libya should therefore focus on improving conditions within the country and ensuring the respect of basic rights of migrants. Some basic guidelines for such a deal have been outlined here.
Getting to the root of the problem
More broadly, if we want to destroy the business model of smugglers, as often proclaimed by mainstream European leaders, we should allow Africans to submit their asylum requests or their visa applications closer to their country of origin, not after crossing the Sahara illegally. Policies aimed at criminalising migrants and limiting avenues for legal migration, which have become the norm in Europe since the mid-1990s, have only benefitted the smugglers and those who profit from cheap, illegal labour from undocumented migrants in Europe.
Instead of doing a dirty deal with Libya, European policymakers should expand legal access to asylum in countries of origin and simultaneously crack down on smuggling networks, to ensure that migrants dont end up in the Libyan hell in the first place.
Read more on: Refugee Crisis,The Middle East and North Africa,North Africa,Libya
Our experts and eminent guests talk about Europes role in the world. Subscribe on iTunes or Soundcloud.
Follow this link:
Why a refugee deal with Libya is a bad idea - European Council on Foreign Relations
- Note Verbale by Libya to UN Extends Maritime Border Claims to Crete - GreekReporter.com - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- More than 100 migrants freed in Libya after being held captive by gang, officials say - Reuters - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Over 100 migrants freed from trafficking ring in Ajdabiya - The Libya Observer - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Dozens of migrants held for ransom by criminal gang in Libya released from captivity - africanews.com - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- More than 100 migrants freed in Libya after being held captive by gang, officials say - Arab News - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Athens and Rome push Brussels to take action on Libya - eKathimerini.com - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- 5 Ways Libya is Reclaiming its Spot in the Global Energy Market - Energy Capital & Power - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Libya: More than 100 released after being held captive by gang members - InfoMigrants - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- CBL orders government entities from 1 August to receive payment for services from citizens electronically - Libya Herald - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Fleeing Conflict, Sudanese Refugees Receive Lifesaving Care in Libya - International Medical Corps - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- After signing agreement in April with Georgetown University, the first emergency response training programme is launched in DC: EMSC - Libya Herald - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- ACA suspends the Executive Director, the Chairman and 6 Board members of GNMTC - Libya Herald - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Former ATIB bank Chairman Naaman Elbouri recalls his unjust kidnapping and detention calls on CBL Governor to implement law against those unjustly... - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Aguila Saleh discusses bilateral cooperation with Chinas Acting Ambassador - The Libya Observer - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Italy and Greece sound the alarm over Libya. But allies arent rushing to help. - politico.eu - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- EU mission in Libya urges all parties to deescalate amid military buildup news in Tripoli - The Libya Observer - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Libyan citizen Othman Al-Zaalouk released after detention in Istanbul - The Libya Observer - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Libya files first official complaint to UN against Greece over eastern Mediterranean rights - Trkiye Today - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Libyas GNU signs agreement with Turkey to enhance military capabilities - The Libya Observer - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Libya: UN urges restraint as military buildup threatens renewed violence in Tripoli - UN News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Greece to suspend asylum applications of migrants from Libya - DW - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Trump Hits More Nations With Tariff Letters Including Libya, Iraq and the Philippines - The Wall Street Journal - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Photos show migrants intercepted near Crete arrive at the Greek port of Lavrio from Libya - AP News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Shell and BP return to Libya in potential boost for tanker demand - Tradewinds News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- As tensions escalate, what is Libya's next course of action? | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Greece blocks asylum claims for migrants on island of Crete after a surge in arrivals from Libya - AP News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Hundreds of migrants moved to Greek mainland as Crete struggles with Libya arrivals - AP News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Exclusive: EU delegation ejected from Libya after diplomatic 'trap', source tells Euronews - MSN - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Expulsion of European delegation: A prelude to further escalation - The Libya Observer - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- BP to reopen office in Libya, Shell discusses prospects for cooperation in oil field development - Libya Herald - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Behind the scenes: Khalifa Haftar's son scuppered EU visit to eastern Libya - EUobserver - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- EU migration delegation ordered deported from eastern Libya on alleged entry violations - AP News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Libya's eastern-based government bars entry of EU migration commissioner, three ministers - Reuters - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Clarification on Trademark Renewal and Re-registration Procedures in Libya - Inventa - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Photos show migrants intercepted near Crete arrive at the Greek port of Lavrio from Libya - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Where do we go from here with Libya? - eKathimerini.com - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Greece Gets Tougher on Migrants, Will Detain Arrivals from Libya - The National Herald - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Trump Hits Libya With 30% Tariff, Urges Country To Bring More Manufacturing To The US - Stocktwits - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Greece Moves to End Asylum Claims for All Maritime Migrants From Libya - The Maritime Executive - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Now The Trump Administration Travel Affected Global Travel And It Impact on Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Venezuela, and North Korea: Know The... - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Photos show migrants intercepted near Crete arrive at the Greek port of Lavrio from Libya - WRAL.com - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- EU delegation forced to leave eastern Libya - InfoMigrants - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Prosecutors reveal toll of Tripoli clashes this year - The Libya Observer - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Athens adopts measured response to recent diplomatic incident with Libya - eKathimerini.com - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- More than 1,200 migrants arrive in Crete amid influx from Libya - MSN - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Libya Passenger Car Industry to Witness Strong Growth, Expected - openPR.com - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- BP, Shell eye return to Libya with fresh oilfield study deals - Quantum Commodity Intelligence - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- BP to Explore Oil Development Opportunities in Libya with National Oil Company - MarketScreener - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- BP and Shell to explore oilfield prospects in Libya - Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBI - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Greece detains 1,200 migrants in three days as arrivals from Libya surge - The Independent - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Libya extends condolences to US over Texas flood tragedy - The Libya Observer - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Al-Sisi calls for unified efforts to hold elections in Libya, urges withdrawal of foreign forces - Daily News Egypt - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- UNSMIL calls for investigation into death of government critic - The Libya Observer - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Is a friendly in Libya coming? Bara would have already reached an agreement - FC Barcelona Noticias - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Big Oil Bids in Libya's First Exploration Tender in 18 Years - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Trkiye rejects EU declaration over deal with Libya | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Fresh pushback from Ankara over opposition to Turkey-Libya marine borders deal - eKathimerini.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Egypt hosts secret talks between Sudan's Burhan and Libya's Haftar in bid to mend ties, sources say - Middle East Eye - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Libya's Energy Exploration Tender: Chevron and TotalEnergies Among Key Contenders - News and Statistics - IndexBox - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Greek PM Mitsotakis and Commissioner Brunner Discuss Curbing Migrant Flows from Libya - tovima.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- How LA 2028 And U.S. Security Policy Are Disrupting Global Travel: Impact On Iran, Haiti, Libya, Senegal, And Venezuela, Here Is What You Need To Know... - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Libya: Battling conditions with organic growing - Hortidaily - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Trump Advisor Boulous: Elections are the only solution to end Libyas crisis - The Libya Observer - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Oil Tanker Suffers Unexplained Blast Weeks After Russia Call - Bloomberg - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Mitsotakis Wants EU to Keep Libya from Sending Refugee Boats - The National Herald - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- No injuries or pollution after explosion at oil tanker off Libya, says Greek operator - eKathimerini.com - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- 2 Greek warships begin patrolling off Libya to prevent flow of irregular migrants - Anadolu Ajans - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Libya's economy showed recovery in 2024, remained resilient despite reliance on hydrocarbons and ongoing political and security instability: World... - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Belarusian PM to Hammad: Minsk eyes cooperation with Libya in agriculture, industry, and healthcare - The Libya Observer - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Libya rejects European interference in maritime agreement with Turkey - The Arab Weekly - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- The Prime Minister of Eastern Libya threatens Greece - - Greek City Times - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Three Libyan companies win awards in Athens International Olive Oil Competition - Libya Herald - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Explosion Reported on Crude Tanker Off the Coast of Libya - The Maritime Executive - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Libyan and Omani Economy Ministers meet agree to activate several existing agreements and hold a business forum - Libya Herald - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Libya, Trkiye defend deal as Greece sustains objection | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Greece deploys 3 warships in the Eastern Mediterranean between Turkey and Libya - The Libya Observer - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Economy Ministry warns against speculation on the Dinar, assures gradual stability of exchange market - The Libya Observer - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Libyan Italian Forum concludes with the signing of 98 MoUs - Libya Herald - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Greek Political Tensions Resurface Over Turkey-Libya Pact - Greek City Times - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- UN urges renewed political and climate action in Libya amid humanitarian and governance crises - africanews.com - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]