Libya’s eastern-based administration has banned Iranian and Afghan nationals from entering through land, sea and air ports, extending restrictions imposed in June on citizens of four African countries.
The ban was introduced under Decree No. 166 of 2026, issued by the government headed by Osama Hamad and based in Benghazi. The measure took effect on October 28, according to the local Al Wasat news outlet. The authorities have not explained the reasons for targeting Iranian and Afghan nationals.
The decree tasks the eastern Interior Ministry with enforcing the restrictions and deporting Iranian and Afghan nationals who lack valid Libyan residence permits. Exemptions apply to accredited diplomatic and consular personnel and eligible family members, as well as people working in medicine, education and related health professions who obtain the required official approvals and employment contracts.
The decision follows a June ban on nationals of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia. At the time, the eastern administration described the restrictions as part of a reorganization of foreign nationals’ entry into Libya. It has not confirmed whether the latest measures have the same rationale.
Libya has been divided between rival administrations since 2014. Hamad’s government, allied with military commander Khalifa Haftar, operates from the east, while the internationally recognized Government of National Unity, led by Abdulhamid Dbeibah, is based in Tripoli. The latest decision was issued by the eastern administration and should not be treated as evidence of a unified nationwide policy.
The reasons for the expanded restrictions and their practical impact on Iranian and Afghan nationals remain unclear.
