Stranded for weeks, Indian embassy repatriates 18 nationals from Libya | India News
NEW DELHI: The Indian Embassy in Libya successfully coordinated the repatriation of 18 Indian citizens from Benghazi who had been stuck there for multiple weeks. These people had travelled to Libya seeking employment but encountered challenges due to the unstable security conditions.
In a social media post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The Embassy of India in Libya facilitated the return of 18 Indian nationals from Benghazi, Libya. They would be arriving in India tomorrow. They had gone to work in Libya & had been stranded for several weeks. The Embassy worked closely with the local authorities & assisted the Indian workers with required authorisation & travel documents. While their case was being looked into, the Embassy remained in constant touch with them to ensure their well-being, assisting them with articles of daily living.”
Jaiswal acknowledged the Libyan administration’s assistance, noting, “Thank the Libyan authorities for their support and cooperation. GoI remains committed to the welfare and safety of all Indians abroad.”
The Indo-Libyan relations have been affected by the security crisis, especially since the onset of the Libyan Civil War in 2014. The Indian government implemented a travel restriction for its citizens to Libya on April 16, 2016. Recent developments, including the appointment of the government of national stability and the existing government of national unity’s refusal to step down, have led to increased tensions and sporadic conflicts between opposing groups, according to ANI reports.
Additionally, Air connectivity between both nations is non-existent. Since Tripoli International Airport’s destruction in July 2014, Mitiga airbase has served as a limited facility for domestic and international flights.