An Overview of the Job Market In Libya For Newcomers

Libya is a huge market for labor thanks to its geographic location. According to the last census in 2006, “the country shares more than 4,000 km of borders with six countries—Egypt, Sudan, Chad, the Niger, Algeria, and Tunisia—together counting a population of roughly 200 million, of whom just over 6 million are in Libya.” Every individual actively contributes to the local economy through interregional labor movements. People in Libya, either Libyan citizens or foreigners, have diverse aspirations and experiences that could help increase opportunities for all.

To contribute to overall socioeconomic and cultural growth, it is essential to have an ID and/or work permit to work in Libya.  Libya has several opportunities for Libyan and non-Libyan citizens.

“One foreign worker for every four Libyans.” This is the initial statistic that the Ministry of Labor and Rehabilitation in the National Unity Government in Tripoli came out with at the end of 2022 when it revealed the presence of more than 2 million workers of various nationalities inside the Libyan territory.

Most of the workers in Libya are of Arab and African nationalities, with some Asians from Bangladesh and Pakistan. In terms of numbers, those coming from Egypt, Sudan, Niger, and Chad come first, followed by Tunisia, Nigeria, Ghana, and other African countries.

The majority work without official contracts in the fields of construction, agriculture, cleaning, workshops, shops, restaurants, and houses as well, and their presence helps move the wheel of the economy because most Libyans prefer governmental careers.

Some of the work opportunities are daily labor for workers, which is one of the most accessible opportunities. It depends on the agencies offering the services. Some agencies provide housekeeping services for female workers, and they divide the benefits between them and the workers. Some agencies offer 50% of the daily benefits to female workers. While male workers receive approximately 50–80 LYD per day. However, the risk of detaining the daily laborer is always high as the government authority has its regulations imposed on workers, especially if they do not have legal documentation and residency permits.

It is always encouraging to look for a job through agencies, companies, WhatsApp-trusted groups in their communities, and some recruiting websites such as Libyan Investment. You can learn how to prepare your CV for job hunting here. 

If you have any further questions or need more information that you cannot find in the article, you can directly contact the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Information, Counseling, and Legal Assistance Department by phone to discuss employment law procedures, through the following hotlines:

• Tripoli hotline: [phone]