Legalising Egyptian migration to Libya will stall

Significance

The group had travelled to Libya for work. Reconstruction in Libya has prompted the return of Egyptian migrant workers, and Cairo has been keen to facilitate this. Many of those who worked in Libya in the past came from Egypt’s poorest regions, and their remittances have provided a much-needed boost to their country’s economy.

Impacts

• Failure to rebuild most oil and gas infrastructure will undermine efforts to increase production and exports.
• Eastern separatists could be spurred on by lack of progress in rebuilding Benghazi, which faces the greatest reconstruction challenges.
• Aware of EU concerns about illegal migrant travel, the Tripoli-based government will seek funding to curb it.