Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Co-operation and Egyptians Abroad, has announced the release of hundreds of Egyptians who were detained in Libya on charges related to illegal migration.
Some 508 Egyptians held in Tripoli between January and April 2026 were freed and safely returned home with the support of Libyan authorities., the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
In Benghazi, 871 citizens detained during the same period were also released and repatriated following coordination with local officials.
In addition, the ministry continued to monitor incidents of migrant boat sinkings involving Egyptians. Over the period January -April 2026, the remains of 94 citizens who drowned were repatriated. An additional five sets of remains were identified through DNA testing after being recovered off the Tunisian coast.
The ministry renewed its appeal to citizens not to be misled by the false promises of smuggling networks or risk their lives through illegal migration. It urged Egyptians to respect entry regulations of neighboring countries by securing proper visas and documented work contracts.
