The Economic Impacts of Illegal Migration and Ways to Reduce It A Descriptive Study of the Libyan Economy during the Period (2011-2023)

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the economic and non-economic causes of the phenomenon of illegal immigration, as well as to know the economic effects resulting from it in the Libyan economy during the study period. It also used the descriptive analytical approach by describing this phenomenon, analyzing its causes and the resulting economic effects. It concluded that in 2018 and 2023, Libya witnessed the highest flows of migrants, amounting to (787,326) and (704,142) migrants, respectively. The fragility of state institutions and the lack Political instability, insecurity, and the proliferation of conflicts and wars are among the most important reasons that led to the exacerbation of the size of this phenomenon. Illegal immigration directly affected the economic level through the rise in the unemployment rate, which reached 19.60% in 2021, then to 19.32% in 2022, and then to 18.74% in 2023, due to the fact that immigrants accept to work in fields in which the citizens of the country do not accept to work under any unsuitable working conditions. There was also a decrease in the overall balance of commercial activity, which amounted to (-16,364.8), (-9,735.0), and (-11,147.0) million dinars in 2015, 2016, and 2020, respectively. The decline in agricultural work, which provides 25% of Libya's agricultural needs, was also highlighted. It then recommended unifying all security agencies and intensifying cooperation with neighboring countries (the source countries) to monitor and prevent illegal immigration, as well as combating smuggling networks to tighten measures that limit areas of infiltration into Libya. It also recommended developing an economic plan to implement deep reforms in countries exporting illegal migrants and implement sustainable development