Vietnam has taken measures to ensure safety for its guest workers in Libya amid escalating violence in this riot-stricken nation.

Nguyen Ngoc Quynh, head of the Vietnamese Overseas Workers Management Department under the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs, said that since the situation in Libya began to show signs of instability at the beginning of July, the ministry has kept close contact with the Vietnamese embassy and labourers in the country.

Illustrative photo

At present, all workers have been informed of the situation and evacuation plans if necessary. Those living near conflict areas are asked not to go out and provided with food and necessities.

According to Quynh, there are about 1,750 Vietnamese workers in Libya, of whom more than 200 are living in Tripoli and Bengazi – two unrest-stricken cities.

On July 29, Nguyen Duc Nam, deputy director general of the International Manpower Supply and Trade Company (SONA), said that his company sent over 500 Vietnamese workers to Libya, of whom 200 workers employed by a Turkish corporation have been moved to Turkey by their employer. He added that among these workers, 79 were expected to come back to Vietnam by air on July 29. The remaining will be sent back to Vietnam later or arranged to work in other projects. According to Nam, the Turkish partner pledged to receive these workers back when it resumes the project in Libya.

Three years ago, more than 10,000 Vietnamese workers in Libya also had to evacuate when war broke out in the country.

Vietnam resumed sending its workers to the African country after the situation in Libya turned to normal in 2012.

Source: VNA