From Western Libya to Eastern Libya.. A New Route for Irregular Migration to Europe

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Recently, a new route for illegal immigration has emerged from eastern Libya towards Greece, reflecting a change in the map of migration routes across the Mediterranean Sea, after the western coasts of the country remained the main departure point for boats heading to Italy for many years.

The new route relies on the departure of migrant boats from maritime areas located in eastern Libya, on long journeys towards the Greek islands and coastal areas, specifically the islands of Crete and Gavdos.

According to recent official statistics, about 14,000 people have arrived at the Greek island of Crete from eastern Libya since the beginning of this year, after departing from Tobruk on boats, compared to 7,300 who arrived during the first half of 2025, while about 5,000 migrants arrived during 2024, marking a significant increase that reflects the growing importance of this route.

In this context, a Libyan security source explained to "Al Arabiya.net" that the migration corridor begins from outside Libya, especially from the countries of Sudan, Chad, and Niger, where migrants set off and enter Libya through the southern borders, then head towards the city of Kufra, which is one of the main gathering points.

He added that migrants are being gathered in designated centers and places, and then in a second phase, they are transported north to the city of Ajdabiya, and from there to Tobruk on the eastern coast, which has become a major crossing point on this route.

He continued that tightening control over some traditional migration routes in western Libya has pushed human smuggling networks to seek alternative routes along the eastern coast, taking advantage of the maritime distance between Tobruk and Greece.

Recent rescue and interception incidents confirm the increase in movement on this route, as Greek authorities have announced on several occasions the rescue of migrants coming from eastern Libya, and Libyan authorities have thwarted migration attempts from the city of Tobruk towards Greece.

In this context, local residents told "Al Arabiya.net" that the presence of migrants in the city of Tobruk has become increasingly noticeable, with their spread in the streets, homes, and surrounding areas of the city, in a growing presence that cannot be separated from the migration movement from Tobruk to Greece.

For years, Libya has been one of the most prominent transit countries for migrants in North Africa, due to its geographical location on the Mediterranean Sea and its extensive land borders with several African countries, which has made it a major stop on migration routes to Europe, attracting large numbers of migrants for this reason.