The International Organization for Migration’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) recorded 939,638 migrants in Libya during November and December 2025, marking the highest figure ever recorded since monitoring began in the country. Data were gathered across 100 municipalities and 641 communities, providing broad geographic coverage of the migrant population.
Round 60 of the DTM research series captures a record‑high migrant presence in Libya, underscoring the scale of displacement and mixed migration flows through the North African nation. The exercise represents the most comprehensive snapshot of migrant stocks and characteristics to date, informing humanitarian planning and policy responses.
Migrants in Libya: Many Nationalities, Significant Employment Disparity
Migrants originated from 44 different nationalities. The top five nationalities identified were Sudanese (36%), Nigerien (20%), Egyptian (38%), Chadian (10%), and Nigerian (3%). The report notes that the information on Sudanese nationals reflects a snapshot taken during the data collection period and is subject to frequent changes due to the highly fluid situation in Sudan.
In Libya, 77% of all migrants are employed. Significant gender disparities exist: 80% of male migrants are employed, while only 43% of female migrants are employed. Prior to departure, many migrants experienced livelihood shocks: among adult males, 79% reported high food prices, 81% reported high agricultural input costs, 66% reported low daily wage labour rates, 52% reported unemployment, and 15% reported heatwaves. Among adult females, 55% reported high food prices, 22% reported high agricultural input costs, 42% reported low daily wage labour rates, 50% reported unemployment, and 5% reported heatwaves.
En Route Without Documents, Many Times Without Parents
Identity document issues were reported by 16% of migrants overall. Additionally, 29% of female migrants and 16% of male migrants indicated they faced difficulties related to identity documents.
The survey identified 4% of migrants as unaccompanied children. This subgroup is particularly at risk of exploitation, abuse, and limited access to basic services, necessitating targeted protective measures.
The Cost of Journey
The DTM also captured the average cost of migration (in USD) by region of origin, though specific figures are presented in detailed tables within the report. These costs vary significantly, reflecting differences in travel routes, transportation modes, and associated risks such as extortion or detention.
IOM’s results underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing livelihood shocks, gender disparities in employment, identity documentation barriers, and the protection of vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied children.
