Grand mufti condemns EU migrant resettlement proposal

Libya’s highest religious authority, Sheikh Al-Sadiq Al-Gharyani, has voiced strong opposition to European initiatives seeking to establish migrant settlements within Libyan borders.

During his weekly television broadcast on Al-Tanasuh TV, the Grand Mufti cautioned that accepting such proposals could threaten national stability and introduce significant security challenges, moral concerns, and economic burdens for Libya.

The religious leader highlighted what he described as hypocrisy in European immigration policies, noting that whilst European nations actively block African migrants from crossing their borders, they simultaneously pressure Libya to accommodate these same individuals.

Sheikh Al-Gharyani accused European governments of abandoning migrants at sea with deadly consequences whilst expecting Libya to shoulder responsibility for their care and integration.

In his address, the Mufti directed criticism towards military commander Khalifa Haftar, claiming his forces have enabled human trafficking networks by failing to secure Libya’s southern border regions against smuggling operations.

The religious leader advocated for international sanctions against trafficking networks and urged Libyan officials to implement stronger measures against those participating in illegal human smuggling.

Sheikh Al-Gharyani emphasised that Libya must enforce its existing immigration regulations, including requirements for proper entry visas and legal sponsorship. He maintained that individuals without proper documentation should be returned to their countries of origin in compliance with Libyan law.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​