Benghazi— The activities of the international organizations in Libya need to adhere to applicable regulations and the country’s legal frameworks, particularly in areas in the east, the Foreign Minister Abdulhadi Al-Hawaij stressed during a meeting in Benghazi on Wednesday.
“No violations in this regard would be tolerated,” Al-Hawaij told the heads of departments at the Foreign Ministry and International Cooperation.
The yesterday’s statement echoes Mr. Al-Hawaij’s concerns that he made known on 10 December 2025, by saying that the government “would not accept any activities or programs by organizations operating from outside Libya.”
At the time, he stressed the necessity for each partner organization to have clearly defined headquarters within the country, subject to legal oversight and monitoring, to ensure transparency in its operations.
“Having headquarters inside Libya is a fundamental requirement for effective coordination, and for directing international support towards priority sectors, in a way that strengthens principles of transparency and shared responsibility between both the Libyan government and its international partners,” Al-Hawaij said.
He also emphasized the importance of aligning the efforts of international organizations with national interests and the necessities and needs of Libyan society.” Noting that some ongoing activities and programs that are being undertaken by international organizations and NGOs “do not reflect the true priorities of local partners.”
On 7 July 2025, PM Osama Hammad outlined five procedures for the entry and movement of members of diplomatic missions, the international organizations and NGOs into areas in eastern Libya.
The procedures include adherence to legal procedures related to granting entry visas to members of diplomatic missions and international organizations, as determined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior and the Libyan Intelligence Service, in accordance with the principle of reciprocity.
Prior coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is required regarding the movements of diplomatic missions and international organizations within and outside cities. Prior authorization must be obtained through an official letter addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with notification to the Ministry of the Interior and the Intelligence Service to ensure appropriate security arrangements.
The permissible scope of movement for diplomats and international representatives would be defined, in a manner that does not infringe upon national sovereignty. Temporary restrictions may be imposed, particularly for security or military reasons, as determined by the competent authorities.
In order to ensure that these procedures are adhered to, steps were taken to reactivating and updating the joint database between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the Interior and the Libyan Intelligence Service regarding the movements and residences of members of international missions and organizations.