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Libya Review
7 hours ago
- Business
- Libya Review
Libya Produces 1.3 Million Barrels of Oil in 24 Hours
Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced on Saturday that the country's oil production has exceeded 1.3 million barrels in the past 24 hours, highlighting its commitment to maintaining stable output. According to the NOC's latest data, crude oil production reached approximately 1,378,000 barrels, while condensate output stood at 53,122 barrels. In addition, natural gas production totalled 2.539 billion cubic feet during the same period. The Corporation emphasized that these figures reflect ongoing efforts to stabilize production levels and ensure the continuity of operations across oil fields and infrastructure nationwide. Libya, a member of OPEC, continues to play a key role in global energy markets. Sustained output is seen as vital for supporting the country's economy and fulfilling export commitments, especially amid shifting dynamics in global oil demand. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 days ago
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Syrians in Libya Struggle to Escape ‘Exile in Limbo'
About seven months ago, a group of 25 Syrian youths, including minors, set off from Libya on an irregular migration journey toward Europe. Only four made it back alive. The rest drowned in the Mediterranean. The tragedy, which left a deep mark on Syrian communities both in Libya and abroad, has drawn renewed attention to the large and diverse Syrian population now living in the North African country, some fleeing the war in Syria under former President Bashar al-Assad, others settled there long before. Syria's presence in Libya is far from monolithic. It spans businessmen, migrant laborers, families who settled during the rule of Muammar Gaddafi, and former fighters now working as mercenaries. Many also see Libya as a temporary stop on the perilous path to Europe. For most, Libya is not the destination but a gateway. The recent drowning of 21 Syrians in the Mediterranean was not an isolated tragedy, but part of a pattern of loss that has haunted the community for years. Reports from local and international migration watchdogs have documented repeated drownings and arrests of Syrians at sea, with many captured by Libya's coastguard and detained in overcrowded jails. Despite the risks, many Syrians have managed to adapt to life in Libya, integrating into local communities and participating in its economy. Yet numerous challenges persist, particularly for undocumented workers and those living without valid residency papers. Many report facing discrimination, abuse, and difficult working conditions. As thousands of Syrian refugees across the Middle East prepare to return home amid improving conditions and relaxed restrictions, Syrians in Libya remain stuck, unable to stay, and unable to leave. 'We're caught in the middle,' said one Syrian resident in Tripoli. 'We can't endure much longer, but we also can't afford to go back.' Many Syrians in Libya say they are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation, including passport confiscation and harassment by armed groups and criminal gangs operating with impunity. Several Syrian residents told Asharq Al-Awsat they are facing rising unemployment, frequent kidnappings, and demands for ransom by militias. For those who now wish to return to Syria, doing so has become financially prohibitive due to hefty fines for visa violations. Steep Penalties for Overstaying Under a revised Libyan immigration law enacted on March 14, 2024, foreigners who overstay their visas or residency permits are charged 500 Libyan dinars - around $90 - per month. The regulation adds a significant burden for many Syrians whose legal documents have expired and who lack the resources to renew them or pay the fines required to exit the country legally. Due to the political division in Libya since 2014, no official statistics exist on the number of foreign residents. However, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reported in 2020 that approximately 14,500 Syrian refugees and asylum seekers were living in Libya. Ten years after arriving in Libya, Ahmed Kamal Al-Fakhouri says he is now trapped, unable to afford life in the country or the high costs of leaving it. 'They've imposed fines on us that are beyond reason - nearly $1,500 per person,' said Fakhouri, a restaurant worker in Tripoli, echoing a growing outcry among Syrians in Libya burdened by mounting penalties and legal uncertainties. 'Sometimes, I can't even afford a day's meal.' Fakhouri fled Derna after the deadly floods of August 2023 and resettled in Tripoli. 'I saw death with my own eyes,' he told Asharq Al-Awsat, describing the trauma of losing his home. 'Now we're living in misery. We want the world to hear our voice - we want to go back to our country.' Libya hosts thousands of Syrians, including doctors, engineers, university students, and day laborers who fill the country's markets in search of work to support their families. Yet many say they now find themselves stuck, facing visa penalties they can't afford and no clear path home - even as the fall of Assad's regime renews hopes for return. 'Exit Tax' Burdens Families While Libya's labor ministries have issued no formal statement on the matter, members of the Syrian community say they are being charged an "exit tax" calculated based on their overstay period. No official decree has been published, but testimonies suggest the fees are acting as a de facto barrier to departure. Following Assad's ouster, many Syrians are reconsidering return, describing exile as a 'prison,' but are deterred by the financial burden of settling overstays. Asharq Al-Awsat reached out to both of Libya's rival labor ministries to clarify policies affecting Syrians and the reported fines for expired documents, but received no response. Zekeriya Saadi, another Syrian living in Tripoli, has publicly called on authorities in both eastern and western Libya to cancel the exit tax and allow those wishing to return to Syria to do so. 'In these unbearable conditions, it's unreasonable to ask refugees to pay such high fees just to leave the country,' he said. 'This tax is a major obstacle, it exceeds our capacity, especially given our financial hardships.' Saadi said most Syrians in Libya are low-income families without stable jobs. 'Many are at risk of eviction, kidnapping, or exploitation. Leaving has become a matter of survival,' he said. 'How can a displaced person be treated like a tourist or a wealthy expat?' He urged Syria's Foreign Ministry to take a clear stance and negotiate with Libyan authorities for fee exemptions and coordinated return efforts, while also working to protect Syrians who remain in the country. Passport Problems Bar Education Beyond financial barriers, expired passports are also stranding Syrians in legal limbo. Many have lost access to services, and the issue is now affecting the next generation. According to Syrian media reports, education officials in Misrata barred at least 100 Syrian children from enrolling in public schools because their parents' passports had expired, highlighting how bureaucratic obstacles are deepening the crisis for displaced families.
Libya Review
3 days ago
- Health
- Libya Review
Benghazi University Signs Deal to Develop Libyan Hospital
The University of Benghazi has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three institutions to support and develop Umm Al-Rizam General Hospital, in a move aimed at boosting healthcare services in eastern Libya. The agreement was signed in the presence of University President Professor Azeldin Al-Darsi, alongside representatives from the Libyan Ministry of Health, and attended by officials from the university's Office of International Cooperation, the Vice Presidents for Community Service and Medical Sciences, and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. The MoU brings together the University of Benghazi, the International Cloud Foundation for Humanitarian Relief, Health, and Education, Istanbul Aydın University in Turkey, and Umm Al-Rizam General Hospital. The partnership aims to develop one of the hospital's key facilities and enhance medical services through targeted training programmes for healthcare staff across various medical specialisations. The agreement also promotes scientific and academic cooperation with the Turkish university. This initiative is part of the University of Benghazi's broader efforts to support the healthcare sector in Libya by building effective partnerships with local and international institutions, and aligning medical services with global standards. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: HealthcarelibyaTurkeyUniversity of Benghazi
Libya Review
5 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
EU Highlights Libyan Women's Contributions to Diplomacy
The European Union has praised the vital role of Libyan women in shaping the country's diplomatic landscape, emphasizing their contributions to building bridges, fostering dialogue, and promoting peace across Libya. In a statement issued on the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, the EU delegation to Libya highlighted how Libyan women are helping the nation navigate political challenges and engage in meaningful diplomacy. The message celebrated the voices of female diplomats and activists, describing them as 'fighters' and 'bridge-builders' in the pursuit of national unity and reconciliation. 'The future of diplomacy speaks with many voices,' the EU statement read, marking the global occasion by recognizing the impact of women who are redefining diplomacy in post-conflict Libya. Despite the political divides and ongoing instability, Libyan women have increasingly taken part in national and international discussions. From grassroots mediators to official representatives, they have played essential roles in peace talks and international forums, pushing for inclusive political solutions and the protection of civil rights. This recognition comes as part of broader international efforts to empower women in foreign policy, in line with the United Nations' goals of gender equality and sustainable peace. As Libya continues its complex transition, the presence of women in diplomacy not only challenges traditional gender roles but also brings diverse perspectives essential for long-term stability and conflict resolution. The EU reiterated its support for initiatives that enhance women's leadership and participation in shaping Libya's future. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: euEuropean UnionlibyaLibyan Women
Libya Review
7 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya & Greece to Discuss Maritime Dispute in July
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis is scheduled to visit Libya in early July for high-level talks in both Tripoli and Benghazi, focusing on key bilateral issues including maritime border disputes and irregular migration. The visit comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries over maritime delimitation, particularly concerning the role of small Greek islands located in the southern Ionian Sea and southeast of Crete. Libya maintains that these islands should not influence maritime boundary demarcation, while Greece insists they must be factored into its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). According to diplomatic sources, discussions will also focus heavily on the growing challenge of irregular migration, with Greece expressing serious concern over increasing migrant departures from Libya's shores since the beginning of the year. Athens has reiterated its readiness to support Libya in addressing human trafficking networks and strengthening border control capabilities. The country remains a key transit point in the broader European strategy to curb illegal migration across the Mediterranean. This visit reflects renewed diplomatic engagement between Athens and Libyan authorities amid complex geopolitical dynamics in the eastern Mediterranean. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: benghazieuGreecelibyaMaritimetripoli
