Erbil, Kurdistan Region – Six Kurdish migrants detained in Libya while attempting to reach Europe have been released and are returning home on Friday, following efforts by Iraq’s diplomatic mission in Tripoli and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). This comes after another 37 Kurds were repatriated from Tunisia earlier this week.

In a video, the six individuals confirmed they were in good health. One of them stated, “After our release from prison in Tripoli, we are returning to Kurdistan. The Iraqi diplomatic mission in Libya provided us with clothing and other necessities.”

Ahmed Sahaf, chargé d'affaires at the Iraqi Embassy in Libya,said that the six were part of a larger group of returnees. “Over the past year and a half, 60 migrants have been repatriated from Libya,” he said, expressing concern over the rising migration trend. “Our youth are falling prey to smuggling networks and human trafficking.”

On Monday, Iraq’s ambassador to Tunisia, Abdul Hakim al-Qassab, announced the return of 37 Kurds from Tunisia, highlighting ongoing efforts to assist migrants stranded in North Africa.

Officials and civil society groups in the Kurdistan Region have repeatedly warned about the increasing number of migrants, attributing the surge to high unemployment and limited economic opportunities. The KRG has urged young people to avoid dangerous migration routes and seek legal alternatives.

The latest repatriations underscore the ongoing challenges faced by Kurdish migrants attempting perilous journeys to Europe, often through unsafe smuggling routes. Authorities continue to call for international support to address the root causes of migration.