TRIPOLI, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Libya's United Nations (UN)-backed Prime Minister Fayez Serraj said Wednesday the decisive solution to the illegal immigration issue lies in achieving stability in Libya.
Serraj made his remarks during a meeting with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid bin Ra'ad al-Hussein, in the Libyan capital Tripoli.
"The problem of illegal immigration worries us as a transit country that bears great burdens in the current difficult situation," Serraj said.
"The government of national accord prepared plans and programs in coordination with friendly countries to secure the southern border, through which illegal immigrants and smugglers flow," he said, pointing out that reports revealed "terrorist elements among immigrants."
"Stability could provide legitimate employment for thousands of African immigrants in reconstruction projects," he said.
"The government is doing its best to improve the living conditions in shelters until migrants return to their countries of origin," Serraj said, adding that economic support of these countries will contribute to solving the issue.
Smugglers take advantage of the insecurity and chaos in Libya to send thousands of migrants through the Mediterranean towards European shores, many of whom drown on the way. Migrants who are rescued by the Libyan navy are detained in housing centers with poor living conditions.
Al-Hussein said the commission was keen to help Libya overcome the current crisis. He also pointed out the dangers that terrorism and illegal armed groups pose to human rights.
