India has eased travel restrictions to Libya, lifting an eight-year travel ban on its citizens, citing improved security conditions in the country.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced this decision following a comprehensive assessment of the current security landscape in Libya, indicating a decrease in overall risk levels.
According to Indian media reports on Wednesday, the ministry announced the relaxation of the travel ban that had been in place since 2016.
The statement read, “The advisory issued on May 23, 2016, which imposed a travel ban on Indian nationals to Libya, has been modified. Based on the security assessment, the ban has been downgraded to an advisory against travel to Libya, except in essential cases.”
The ministry advised Indian citizens to contact the Indian embassy in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, in case of emergencies.
On July 23, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the “Interim Government of National Unity” in Libya announced the reopening of the Indian embassy in Tripoli.
This development came after a meeting between the Director of the Asia and Australia Affairs Department, Nouri Fadel Al-Kasah, and the Indian Charge d’Affaires in Libya, Mohammed Aleem.
According to a statement from the Libyan Foreign Ministry, the meeting led to the announcement of the resumption of the Indian embassy’s operations in Tripoli, including the consular section for issuing visas to Libyan citizens and overseeing the welfare of Indian expatriate workers.
This move is expected to facilitate better diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries, allowing for increased movement and cooperation.
The resumption of the Indian embassy’s services is a significant step towards normalizing ties and supporting the Indian community in Libya.
