KRG Repatriates 11 More Young Men Stranded in Libya

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Eleven more young men from the Raparin Independent Administration who had been stranded in Libya returned safely to the Kurdistan Region on Friday morning and were reunited with their families, following direct orders from Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

The latest repatriation follows reports in recent weeks that several young men from Raparin had gone missing or become stranded in Libya while attempting to migrate abroad.

In response, Prime Minister Barzani instructed the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Ministry of Interior and Department of Foreign Relations to take urgent measures to locate the missing individuals and facilitate their safe return.

Several weeks ago, authorities located and repatriated 33 young men from the area. Officials subsequently received information that another 14 young men were stranded in Libya, prompting further efforts to secure their return. Three of the 14 arrived in the Kurdistan Region in recent days, while the remaining 11 returned safely on Friday.

Upon their arrival at the airport, Ali Saeed, director of Data and Information, and staff from the relevant center welcomed the returnees. Airport medical teams examined the young men and provided the necessary care before Ministry of Interior teams handed them over to their families.

Efforts continue to locate 10 more young men

The KRG said efforts were continuing to trace and locate another 10 young men from the Raparin area whose whereabouts remain a concern.

The cases have highlighted the risks faced by young people seeking to migrate through irregular routes, which can leave migrants stranded abroad and expose them to dangerous conditions and exploitation.

The KRG said measures introduced in recent months to curb illegal migration had contributed to a considerable decline in irregular migration. The government reaffirmed its commitment to continuing these efforts and protecting citizens from the dangers associated with unauthorized migration routes.

The latest return brings relief to the families of the 11 young men, while authorities continue their efforts to locate the remaining individuals.