As Minister for Countering Illegal Migration, Michael is working with international partners to tackle the global migration crisis. As part of that work, he recently became the first Home Office Minister in decades to visit Libya.
Thousands of migrants every year cross the Mediterranean Sea, landing in Italy, with over a quarter launching from Libya. Michael met the Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, and they agreed a new deal with Libya. This will mean that Libya is more able to challenge the criminal gangs of people smugglers. Michael also met representatives from the EU, UN, France, Germany and Malta to discuss the global challenge.
Michael said:
Libya is a crucial launch point for migrants, and the funding and support we are providing will ensure Libya is better equipped to stop people risking their lives to reach Europe.
As well as supporting survivors of trafficking, the funding will provide assistance for migrants who choose to return to their countries of origin.
These voluntary returns are one of the most fundamental and important tools at our disposal for driving down migration numbers globally.
Michael wrote about his trip for the Telegraph and you can read his article here: Telegraph Article
