East Libya imposes entry ban on Afghans and Iranians

The government based in eastern Libya has banned Afghan and Iranian nationals from entering areas under its control through land, sea and air entry points, according to Reuters.

The decision was announced late Wednesday, although authorities did not provide a reason for the restrictions.

The eastern administration has instructed its Interior Ministry to enforce the ban and deport Afghan and Iranian nationals who do not possess valid residence permits.

Exemptions will apply to members of accredited diplomatic and consular missions and their families. Afghans and Iranians working in the medical and education sectors may also qualify for exemptions, provided they hold valid work authorizations.

The latest restrictions follow similar measures introduced by the eastern administration in June, when it barred nationals of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.

Libya has served as a major transit route for migrants attempting to reach Europe across the Mediterranean since the 2011 overthrow of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. The country has remained divided between rival administrations in the east and west since 2014.

According to United Nations data collected in June, more than 900,000 migrants are living in Libya.