Thousands of Egyptians quit Libya, say security source

CAIRO: Thousands of Egyptian workers left Libya for home last week after they were found to lack the necessary papers, a security source said on Sunday. Most returned from the neighboring country by road, passing through Sallum crossing on the countries northern frontier, the source said, estimating the total number of those who had left at 36,000. Last month, Libya hardened its stance against illegal immigrants in the country who were trying to reach Europe from there by sea. But on Sunday, Libyan newspapers reported that Labour Minister Maatuk Maatuk had given immigrants until the end of March to put their papers in order. The original deadline was the end of February and Maatuk had promised heavy punishment for employers found to be using illegal labor. Most Egyptians in Libya work in agriculture and construction, or managing new businesses set up by Libyans.