ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Iraq is set to repatriate 70 of its nationals from Libya, its charge d’affaires in Tripoli said on Monday, in coordination with Libyan authorities and as part of Baghdad’s “intensified” efforts to curb illegal migration. 

Thousands of migrants try to cross the deadly Mediterranean Sea illegally to reach Europe every year in search of a better life abroad, including a large number from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the Kurdish areas of Syria, Iran, and Turkey.

Ahmed al-Sahhaf, charge d’affaires of the Iraqi embassy in Tripoli, said in a statement that “smuggling networks and human trafficking continue to ensnare young Iraqis,” stressing that “efforts are being intensified to limit the flow of migrants through Libya.” 

“The embassy is working with high effort and in coordination with the relevant Libyan authorities to identify their fate and hand them over to the concerned shelter centers, after which procedures for their voluntary return to Iraq will begin,” he added about the 70 Iraqi nationals. 

According to Sahhaf, the Iraqi embassy continues to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and smuggling networks.

He added that efforts are continuing “with high intensity to investigate the fate of dozens in various areas.” 

Many migrants trekking the perilous journey to Europe use the Libyan waterways to reach Italy through smuggling routes. 

The Iraqi government has routinely warned of the dangers of illegal migration, with Libya having gained popularity in recent years as a major transit hub on the journey to Europe. 

In November, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said more than 1,000 people had died trying to reach Europe through the Central Mediterranean migration route in 2025.

In September and October, Baghdad and Erbil returned over 60 Kurdish migrants from Libya to the Kurdistan Region as part of broader efforts to return stranded nationals. 

Over 700,000 migrants were registered in Libya last year, according to the IOM.

Earlier this month, Bakr Ali, head of the Association of Returned Refugees, said the Kurdistan Region has repatriated over 300 migrants en route to Europe from African countries since the beginning of 2025, with many taking the Libya route.