According to the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) latest report (Round 62 - Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), the number of migrants in Libya reached 943,748 in March and April 2026 across 100 municipalities and 641 communities in Libya.
This figure represents a slight increase of 0.8% compared to the previous round—bringing the total close to the one-million mark.
Sudanese nationals constitute the largest group of migrants (34%), followed by Nigeriens, Egyptians (20% each), and Chadians (10%).
The IOM report said 40% of migrants consider Libya their destination, while only 7% plan to continue their journey to Europe, and 16% intend to return to their home countries.
The report said 53% of migrants are concentrated in western Libya, compared to 36% in the east and 11% in the south. Urban centers such as Tripoli, Benghazi, and Misrata remained the primary destinations due to employment opportunities, infrastructure, and access to services.
Migration to Libya continued to be driven primarily by economic factors, with the majority of migrants (79%) citing economic hardship as their main reason for migrating. Conflict and insecurity were the second most frequently reported drivers (19%), particularly among Sudanese and North African nationals.
While 77% of migrants work within Libya, only 4% hold written employment contracts. The rest rely on verbal agreements or work without any contracts.
The report says 84% of migrants do not hold residence permits, and 85% lack work permits. It adds that 83% of migrants live in rented accommodation, while only 7% possess formal lease agreements.
The IOM report says 74% of migrants face limited or no access to healthcare services, while 55% of households with children report that their children do not have access to education.