The International Organisation for Migration said that 80,000 illegal migrants have been voluntarily deported from Libya to their countries of origin since 2015 under the IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarian Return programme.

The deported migrants included 2,733 victims of human trafficking, 843 unaccompanied or separated children, and 5,144 migrants with medical needs, the statement indicated on Wednesday.

The statement added that returning migrants receive post-arrival reception assistance in the countries of return and comprehensive reintegration support through individual reintegration assistance packages.

The package includes economic, social, and psychosocial support.

“IOM Libya’s staff work around the clock to assist vulnerable migrants in Libya in need of urgent protection assistance. By enabling migrants to make informed choices and ensuring their right to return home is advocated for, the VHR programme offers a glimmer of hope in the face of extreme adversity,” said Tauhid Pasha, IOM Libya’s acting chief of mission.

Ever since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011, Libya has become a preferred point of departure for thousands of illegal immigrants who attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach European shores.

 (Xinhua/NAN)