GNU suspends airport visa-on-arrival system temporarily

Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU) has temporarily suspended the issuance of visas on arrival at airports and air entry points as part of efforts to regulate the entry of foreign nationals and strengthen border controls.

The decision was outlined in a letter from Minister of State for Prime Ministerial Affairs Mohammed Ben Ghalbon to Interior Minister Emad Al-Trabelsi. 

According to the government’s “Hokoometna” platform, the suspension will remain in effect until a review of visa issuance mechanisms is completed and new safeguards are introduced to prevent fraud and abuse while ensuring compliance with existing legislation.

The directive also tasks the Interior Ministry and the Passport, Nationality and Foreign Affairs Authority with preparing a comprehensive proposal for a new visa system within 30 days. The plan is expected to include the necessary technical, security and administrative measures for implementation.

The move comes amid renewed debate over irregular migration in Libya following the circulation of unverified social media claims about the construction of housing for migrants, allegations that have been officially denied.

On Monday, Al-Trabelsi reiterated his rejection of any form of migrant settlement in Libya, stressing that the ministry would not permit any unlawful presence in the country except in accordance with Libyan laws and regulations. He made the remarks during a meeting with participants in the “No to Settlement” movement, activists and representatives of municipal councils from Greater Tripoli.