Gharyan orders foreign residents to register

By Libya Herald reporter.

Tripoli, 2 March 2016:

Gharyan municipal council has decided to compile a register of all foreigners residing in the . . .[restrict]municipality. It follows the spread of fears across Libya about foreigners being involved in the so-called Islamic State (IS), particularly after the US bombing raid in Sabratha and the subsequent fighting there between pro-IS forces and local militias.

The council has ordered all non-Libyans whether working for state or private organisations to register with a new committee it has set up for the purpose. Foreigners who do not register will not be allowed to continue to live and work in the town.

Meanwhile, investigations will be carried out into all those who register to verify that they are bona fide expatriate employees or members of their families.

The council says it is taking this course of action because of a possible terrorist threat in Gharyan. It has called on the public to report any suspicious movements likely to endanger peace and security in the municipality.

It has not said what it may be doing to to investigate locals who may be linked to IS. [/restrict]