TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Central Bank of Libya (CBL) has issued a stark warning over the severe economic impact caused by irregular migration and undocumented foreign workers, revealing that the country is losing an estimated $7 billion annually due to these issues. The CBL noted that these factors have sharply boosted domestic consumption and driven up demand for foreign currency—primarily via the informal market—placing significant pressure on the country’s financial system.

“The uncontrolled presence of these migrants has contributed to the rise in unregulated economic activities,” the bank’s statement said. “These activities, including money laundering networks and the potential financing of terrorism, are posing serious risks to the country’s stability.” The CBL also pointed to the rampant smuggling of subsidized goods and fuel as a critical factor exacerbating the situation. Smuggling operations have led to a spike in demand for imports, forcing the central bank to dip into its dwindling foreign reserves in order to stabilize the value of the Libyan dinar.

This depletion of reserves, coupled with the growing demand for foreign currency, has placed immense pressure on Libya’s already fragile economy. In response to these challenges, the CBL devalued the Libyan dinar by 13.3%. This change translates to an official exchange rate of 5.5677 dinars per U.S. dollar. However, the black market rate remains significantly higher, with the dinar trading at 7.11 dinars per dollar, underscoring the widening gap between official rates and market realities.

The devaluation marks yet another challenge for Libyan citizens, many of whom are already grappling with the country’s ongoing economic instability. The CBL’s Governor, Naji Mohamed Issa, stated that further corrective measures may be necessary if the situation does not improve, warning that the absence of unified public spending policies was contributing to the economic turmoil. Issa also pointed to the persistent fiscal division between Libya’s eastern and western governments as a key factor driving inflation and instability. In 2024, the central bank reported that dual government spending reached a staggering 224 billion dinars, far surpassing total national revenues of only 136 billion dinars. As Libya continues to struggle with these pressing economic challenges, the future of the country’s financial system remains uncertain. The government’s inability to address the root causes of migration, smuggling, and fiscal fragmentation threatens to deepen the nation’s economic crisis.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has achieved the lowest cancer mortality rate in the European Union, with a notable 20% decrease in cancer-related deaths over the last decade, according to the latest report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 2011, Malta recorded 247 cancer deaths per 100,000 people. By 2021, this figure had dropped to 198 deaths per 100,000, placing the country significantly below the EU average of 235 deaths per 100,000.

Despite these encouraging figures, Malta’s progress is tempered by ongoing challenges in cancer prevention, access to innovative treatments, and healthcare disparities. The OECD’s ‘European Cancer Inequalities Registry 2025’ report highlights that while Malta performs well overall, gaps persist, particularly among lower-income groups and migrant populations.

The report points to Malta’s relatively low cancer incidence, particularly for lung, colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers. Notably, the incidence of cancer among men is 614 per 100,000, well below the EU average of 684. However, women in Malta face a slightly higher cancer incidence rate compared to the EU average, with 494 cases per 100,000, compared to the EU’s 488. The gender gap in cancer incidence in Malta is also smaller than the EU average. Across the EU, there are 40% more cancer cases among men than women, whereas in Malta, the disparity is only 24%.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (MNA/ITALPRESS) – An international law enforcement operation coordinated by Europol has resulted in the arrest of two men in Malta in connection with the online sexual exploitation of children.

The operation, named “Operation Stream,” saw the collaboration of police forces from over 35 countries worldwide, leading to the identification of 1,400 suspects and the arrest of 79 individuals, including the two men apprehended by the Malta Police Force. As part of the operation, the Malta Police conducted a raid that resulted in the seizure of electronic equipment and other devices related to the exploitation.

Authorities have not provided further details regarding the identities or specific charges against the arrested individuals. The operation also led to a significant breakthrough in the fight against online child exploitation, with the shutdown of the “Kidflix” platform.

Known as one of the largest online hubs for paedophilic content, the platform contained over 72,000 videos. The closure of “Kidflix” is seen as a major victory in the battle to combat online abuse and trafficking. Authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the operation, with further arrests anticipated as the investigation progresses.

The Malta Police, along with international law enforcement agencies, are working to ensure that those involved in the distribution and exploitation of such content face justice.(ITALPRESS).

Foto: Ipa Agency

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Libyan authorities, in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), have arrested four individuals suspected of being involved in large-scale migrant smuggling operations. The arrests, which span several cities in Libya, are part of an ongoing effort to dismantle human trafficking networks operating in the Mediterranean region.

The most significant arrest took place on 12 March in Tripoli, where a man allegedly responsible for transporting hundreds of Syrian migrants across the Mediterranean was detained.

The individual, identified by National Crime Agency and Libyan security forces as a key player in a Syrian smuggling network, is believed to have facilitated the illegal movement of at least 2,000 migrants into Europe. Authorities also discovered evidence on his phone indicating that some of the migrants were headed for the United Kingdom.

In addition to the Tripoli arrest, two other individuals were apprehended earlier in March. On 10 March, a suspect was arrested in Tobruk, a port city in eastern Libya, for his role in smuggling migrants of various nationalities into Greece. The individual’s arrest follows months of investigation into a broader network that uses Libyan shores as a launching point for journeys across the Mediterranean.

Meanwhile, in January, two further arrests took place in the city of Sabratha, a known hub for people smuggling operations. A Sudanese national was caught attempting to transport 11 Iraqi Kurdish migrants to Europe. Additionally, a Syrian national was detained after being linked to an operation that organized the transportation of around 400 migrants, primarily via sea routes.

All four detainees are now facing prosecution by the Libyan Attorney General’s Office. The ongoing investigations into their activities suggest a complex network of smugglers who have exploited the chaos of Libya’s political instability to facilitate illegal migration. Authorities are working with international partners to identify further individuals and disrupt additional trafficking routes.

Rick Jones, Deputy Director of the NCA‘s International Operations, highlighted the importance of global cooperation in combating human trafficking and smuggling networks. “These arrests in Libya highlight the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating organised immigration crime. People smugglers show no regard for human life, cramming migrants into unseaworthy boats, risking their lives on perilous journeys,” said Jones. “This operation demonstrates that those who profit from this trade are being targeted and brought to justice, no matter where they operate.”

The Libyan arrests are part of a broader strategy to curb the rise of human trafficking, which remains a pressing issue for both Europe and North Africa. In recent months, there has been an intensification of efforts to disrupt smuggling rings, especially those operating across Libya’s porous borders and sprawling coastlines.

This operation follows the conviction of UK-based people smuggler Ahmed Ramadan Mohamad Ebid, who orchestrated the transportation of thousands of migrants across the Mediterranean. Ebid, who is responsible for facilitating the illegal crossings of approximately 3,800 migrants from North Africa to Italy, is scheduled for sentencing on 19 May 2025.

As investigations into the wider smuggling networks continue, authorities in Libya and Europe remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent further exploitation of vulnerable migrants. The successful cooperation between Libyan and UK law enforcement highlights the growing international resolve to dismantle criminal operations that endanger lives for profit.

For now, authorities are continuing to examine the broader scope of trafficking routes, with an eye toward prosecuting those behind the operation while working to ensure safer migration pathways in the future.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – In March 2025, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported a 28% decrease in the number of migrants arriving in Italy by sea compared to earlier months.

Despite this decline, Libya remains the dominant country of departure, with over 2,400 migrants arriving in Italy during the month.

Approximately 92% of these migrants departed from Libya, underlining its crucial role in the Central Mediterranean migration route. The majority, nearly 80%, reached Italy’s Lampedusa Island.

Though Tunisia also served as a departure point, it accounted for a much smaller proportion of arrivals. The report highlighted that Bangladeshis represented the largest group of migrants, followed by nationals from Pakistan, Egypt, and Syria.

Despite the reduced number of arrivals, the Central Mediterranean remains one of the most perilous migration routes, with six deaths and 43 people reported missing in March.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has refrained from commenting directly on US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement imposing a 20% tariff on products imported from the European Union, a move that has reverberated across Europe. 

Prime Minister Robert Abela’s government took a neutral stance, choosing not to criticize the tariffs and instead emphasized that trade negotiations are the responsibility of the European Commission, as outlined by European Council President António Costa.

A spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister quoted by the Times of Malta, noted that the issue remains a key topic of discussion at the European level, with the primary aim of safeguarding the interests of all EU citizens, including those in Malta. The spokesperson assured that the Maltese government remains committed to protecting businesses and families from the potential impacts of global economic challenges, continuing to provide support and stability during uncertain times.

The move to remain neutral comes amid rising concerns in Europe over the economic fallout of Trump’s trade policies.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party has reiterated its commitment to supporting the people of Malta, responding to the Opposition leader Bernard Grech’s comments regarding the newly announced US tariffs. The Labour Party highlighted its historic tax cuts and government initiatives to help citizens cope with inflation, while accusing Grech of failing to rise above political partisanship. The party also took aim at the Nationalist Party’s stance on energy subsidies, calling it an attack on efforts to help the public.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The government’s contentious reforms to magisterial inquiries, which significantly limit individuals’ ability to request inquiries and impose a strict two-year time limit, have passed their final vote in Parliament, despite a protest taking place outside the building while the Opposition Leader Bernard Grech led his party out of Parliament in protest, calling the vote a “democratic disgrace” and refusing to participate in what he described as “a direct attack on citizens’ rights.”

The motion, approved by 37 votes to 30, paves the way for the bill to amend the Criminal Code and become law once it receives assent from the President.

The reforms were introduced shortly after a high-profile inquiry, initiated by private individuals, led to the arraignment of former prime minister Joseph Muscat on charges of corruption, money laundering, and criminal association. The changes come at a time when lawyer and former MP Jason Azzopardi was submitting multiple requests for inquiries into alleged corruption.

The Nationalist Opposition strongly opposed the bill, demanding a vote even on its first reading, a typically procedural step in Parliament. Following a lengthy and contentious debate, the bill was approved in its second reading last month.

On Tuesday, the Consideration of Bills Committee discussed the bill further, with the government introducing amendments to address one of its more controversial provisions. The revised bill no longer places magisterial inquiries under the supervision of the attorney general, a move that had been criticized for potentially undermining the independence of the judiciary. Under the new provisions, the appointment of experts will be managed by the inquiring magistrate and the chief justice.

Although the Nationalist Party welcomed this change, it still voted against the bill in committee, arguing that the revisions failed to address the most contentious elements of the legislation.

Outside Parliament, the civil society group ‘Repubblika’ staged a protest against the reforms. Robert Aquilina, honorary president of Repubblika and representative of the Fondazione Falcone in Malta, stated that history would ultimately condemn those responsible for making the bill law.

Prime Minister Robert Abela was met with jeers from the crowd as he arrived at Parliament for the vote. Aquilina accused him of being the “prime protector of the mafia” in Malta.

– photo Net News –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The leader of the Maltese Nationalist Party (PN), Bernard Grech, has urged the government to take “a firm stance” on the issue of the tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump. According to the Times of Malta, the leader of the opposition force called on the government to defend consumers and the national industry. The tariffs, he added, are “a step backwards for everyone”.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s Civil Protection Department is extending its expertise to the Libyan municipality of Al-Asabaa, following a series of mysterious fires that engulfed numerous houses in the area. The origins of the fires remain undetermined, but the situation has prompted a response from local authorities and international humanitarian teams.

Four officers from Malta’s Civil Protection Department will assist Libyan authorities in investigating the cause of the fires, as well as in efforts to ensure the safety of the affected families. The operation is being coordinated through the European Civil Protection mechanism, with Malta once again providing vital support to nations in need, following previous assistance to countries such as Libya, Greece, and Turkey.

Interior Minister Byron Camilleri emphasized that Malta’s Civil Protection Department is not only dedicated to assisting those in need locally but also plays a key role in offering its expertise internationally. “Through this assistance, we are reaffirming our commitment to humanitarian efforts worldwide,” Camilleri stated.

Peter Paul Coleiro, Director of the Civil Protection Department, reiterated that the department’s mission is to aid those in need, both within Malta and abroad, and this operation represents a continuation of that vital work.

The fires erupted in Al-Asabaa, located approximately 120 kilometers from Tripoli, where several houses and vehicles were consumed by flames under mysterious circumstances. Due to the unusual nature of the fires, some local residents have speculated that the town may have been attacked by supernatural forces, such as jinn. However, the Government of National Unity (GNU) Ministry of Interior has launched a full investigation into the incident, with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) leading the efforts.

Authorities have urged local residents to cooperate with firefighting teams and follow safety guidelines issued by the relevant authorities. The Ministry has also called for any individuals with information about the cause of the fires to report to the nearest police station to assist in the investigation.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, has argued that ramping up defence spending within the European Union could lead to the creation of more jobs across the bloc. 

Speaking in an interview on the current affairs programme ‘Xtra’, aired on Malta’s national television station, Micallef highlighted the potential for job growth, not just in the military sector, but in areas such as ports, which, while not directly military, are still closely linked to defence efforts.

Micallef emphasized the importance of considering all perspectives on defence, particularly as different countries within the EU hold varying views on the issue.

He also made a strong statement on Ukraine, expressing his belief that the country has a place within the EU. “Even in times of war, our priority should always be European citizens and their wellbeing,” he said.

Regarding Europe’s relationship with the United States, Micallef stressed the need for continued collaboration, pointing out the EU-US partnership, which has thrived for over 80 years, was vital in addressing global challenges like climate change. He noted, however, that climate change was not a priority during the Trump administration.

On the Middle East, Micallef underscored the EU’s focus on humanitarian aid to Gaza, improving infrastructure, and securing the release of hostages as central to the region’s ongoing crisis.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews