Decision No. 507 of 2024 Transferring Free Zone Supervision to Council of Ministers

The Libyan Council of Ministers has centralized control over all free zones by transferring supervisory authority from previous bodies directly to itself. This decision took effect on September 29, 2024, and supersedes any conflicting provisions. The move consolidates regulatory oversight of free zone operations under the central government.

This represents a significant governance shift for companies operating in or planning to establish operations within Libyan free zones. Direct Council of Ministers supervision likely means approval processes, licensing, and operational decisions will now require higher-level government engagement, potentially slowing administrative processes but possibly improving policy coordination. Foreign investors should reassess their government relations strategies and approval timelines for free zone projects. Existing free zone operators may face new reporting requirements or review processes.