Libya has shut down 10 aid organizations linked to migrants.

The Internal Security Agency reported that they suspect some aid organizations of money laundering due to their lack of transparency regarding how financial transfers for their projects are made.

Libyan authorities have ordered the suspension of activities and closure of offices in the country for 10 international aid organizations, accusing them of violating local laws by providing assistance to African migrants. In a statement, the Internal Security Agency (ISA) reported that humanitarian organizations are violating laws by providing various forms of assistance to help resettle African migrants in Libya. "We confirm that the project for resettling illegal migrants of African nationality is a hostile activity targeting Libya's demographics," said the ISA. Among the aid groups affected by the decision are Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the Norwegian Refugee Council, the Danish Refugee Council, Terre des Hommes, Care, Acted, Inter SOS, and the Italian NGO CESVI. Many of these organizations had provided much-needed emergency aid during the devastating flood disaster in the country that resulted in thousands of deaths in 2023. The ISA stated that they suspect these organizations of money laundering due to their lack of transparency regarding how financial transfers for their projects are made and how they convert foreign currency to the local currency. ISA spokesperson Salem Ghaith stated during a press conference that strict legal actions would be implemented in addition to the closure of the offices. He said that these civil society organizations (CSOs) illegally provided various forms of assistance, from cash vouchers to clothing, food, shelter, and medical aid, all of which initially helped migrants arriving in the country from Europe. Ghaith stated, "As a result, they no longer needed to take the risk of crossing the seas to migrate to Europe, and they turned Libya into a destination country rather than a transit country." The Médecins Sans Frontières group noted in an update in February that migrants in Libya are often subjected to violence and routinely deprived of healthcare services. "They live in insecure conditions and are exposed to various forms of violence and abuse. The access of these individuals who are kidnapped, extorted, trafficked, assaulted, or sexually abused to healthcare is severely hindered at a time when they need it most." The Libyan state agency reported that the Norwegian Refugee Council provided illegal financial assistance, food supplies, cleaning materials, clothing, and medicine to illegal migrants without the knowledge or permission of Libyan authorities, thus violating the country’s laws. Libya, which shares borders with six countries and has a long coastline along the Mediterranean, is a primary transit point for migrants fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East in search of a better life in Europe. The International Organization for Migration estimates that as of 2024, approximately 787,000 migrants and refugees from various countries are living in Libya.