Libyan Coast Guard has rescued around 9,216 immigrants at sea this year, Libya's Interior Minister Khaled Mazen said on Monday during his meeting with the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs, Ylva Johansson.

Mazen stressed that illegal immigration is not a Libyan issue but an international phenomenon that requires the cooperation of all to find solutions to the problem, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to combat smugglers and enhance the humanitarian situation.

The minister explained that these figures cover the migrants rescued before this June, compared to 7106 immigrants during the past year (2020).

He called on the EU to support Libya and provide facilities in order to contain the phenomenon of illegal immigration.

"The gathering and repatriation centers are overcrowded and require speedy voluntary return flights and resettlement," Minister Mazen said.