Govt bars Indians from travelling to Libya

New Delhi: India has banned its nationals from travelling to Libya, irrespective of the purpose of the visit, in view of the prevailing security situation in that country.[caption id="attachment_2507690" align="alignleft" width="380"] Representational image. Reuter[/caption]Announcing this on Monday, External Affairs Ministry said the decision has been notified to all Immigration authorities."In view of prevailing security situation in Libya, security threats and challenges to lives of Indian nationals in Libya, the Government has decided to impose a travel ban on Indian nationals planning to travel to Libya irrespective of the purpose," the MEA travel advisory said.Asking Indian nationals for compliance, the ministry said the travel ban is effective from 3 May, 2016 till further orders.The MEA's announcement came a day after reports of a Libyan former minister being killed in clashes between unity government forces and fighters of the Islamic State jihadist group in Sirte. Libya is witnessing increased violence due to clashes between them.