A Libyan Coast Guard officer counts the number of rescued illegal immigrants in Tajura, eastern Tripoli, Libya, Feb. 18, 2020. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday that Libyan Coast Guard rescued more than 300 illegal immigrants off the Libyan coast on Monday. More than 1,500 illegal immigrants have been rescued off the Libyan coast so far in 2020, said the IOM. (Photo by Hamza Turkia/Xinhua)
TRIPOLI, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday that Libyan Coast Guard rescued more than 300 illegal immigrants off the Libyan coast on Monday.
More than 1,500 illegal immigrants have been rescued off the Libyan coast so far in 2020, said the IOM.
"Most migrants still end up in overcrowded detention center where they remain vulnerable to further risks," it said.
Libya has become a preferred departure point for migrants hoping to cross the Mediterranean Sea toward European shores.
The IOM has repeatedly said that Libya is not a safe port for immigrants' disembarkation due to the deteriorating security condition in the country.
The IOM estimates that there are currently 650,000 illegal immigrants in Libya, many of whom lack medical care and basic needs.
