Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Haddad El-Gohary
Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Haddad El-Gohary made the remarks during a meeting with more than 200 families of Egyptians reported missing in Libya. He said Egypt’s consulate in Benghazi and embassy in Tripoli are following up on reports of missing citizens across Libyan detention facilities.
El-Gohary said procedures are currently underway to secure the release of detainees and to regularize their legal status ahead of deportation, without specifying a timeline.
According to the official, Egypt’s diplomatic efforts in Libya during 2025 led to the deportation of more than 3,000 Egyptians accused of irregular migration. He said more than 1,200 Egyptian detainees were released from Libyan prisons during the same period.
El-Gohary also said Egypt repatriated more than 300 bodies at state expense following the sinking of boats carrying migrants off the Libyan coast, incidents linked to irregular migration routes from North Africa toward Europe.
Addressing families of the missing, El-Gohary warned against relying on unofficial intermediaries who demand money in exchange for information about detainees or missing persons, saying many such claims later prove false. He urged families to seek information only through official channels.
He called on families to pursue legal action against brokers, smugglers, and trafficking networks involved in irregular migration, accusing them of endangering lives while charging large sums to move migrants through illegal routes across neighbouring countries.
The foreign ministry official also reiterated calls for Egyptians seeking work abroad to use legal travel channels, including official visas and documented employment contracts, to reduce the risk of detention or disappearance.
Egypt has stepped up efforts to curb irregular migration since launching a national strategy in 2016. Officials have repeatedly said the country will not serve as a transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe.
The government says no migrant boats have departed from Egypt’s shores since the strategy was introduced, despite the country hosting more than 10 million foreigners, including refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants from over 130 countries.
Short link: