Legal Library

Libya's High National Elections Commission adopted comprehensive procedures for municipal council elections on December 31, 2023. The regulation covers voter registration, candidate eligibility, voting procedures, counting, appeals, and observer accreditation. This implements provisions of the 2012 Local Administration System Law and establishes the operational framework for municipal-level electoral processes.

The Council of Ministers issued a comprehensive new regulation governing administrative contracts financed by the public treasury, effective October 31, 2024. This decision repeals the 2007 Administrative Contracts Regulation and establishes updated procedures for all government contracting in Libya. The regulation applies retroactively to existing contracts where terms do not conflict.

The High National Elections Commission approved procedural regulations governing elections for the General Ports and Seamen's Union. The regulations establish a list-based election system, candidacy requirements, voting procedures, and campaign rules for union leadership selection.

The Competition Council approved its executive regulations establishing its operational framework and jurisdiction. The regulations mandate that all commercial and economic activities in Libya are subject to competition rules, with exemptions granted to government entities and state-owned enterprises. Prices are to be determined by market competition except in emergency circumstances or for specified goods.

The Presidential Council establishes an elected national reconciliation position in each municipal council and creates a General Conference for National Reconciliation headquartered in Sirte. Mayors temporarily assume reconciliation duties until elections are held, with the High Electoral Commission managing the election process on an exceptional basis.

The Presidential Council establishes a 12-member National Commission for Referendum and National Consultation with authority to organize, supervise, and certify referendum processes. The commission can accredit observers and media, issue implementing regulations, and administer voter registration using existing electoral districts. The President of the Presidential Council retains authority to determine referendum subjects and approve results.

The Presidential Council has suspended all effects of Law No. 5 of 2023, which established a Supreme Constitutional Court, citing a Supreme Court ruling declaring it unconstitutional. All procedures and decisions issued under the suspended law are declared null and void. The decree invokes emergency powers and references the state of institutional fragmentation in Libya.

The Central Bank of Libya issued a mandatory internal control procedures manual for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance at all banks. The circular requires bank boards to implement the attached manual's provisions according to the specified implementation mechanism. This supersedes and updates previous CBL circulars from 2018 and 2021 on AML/CFT controls and compliance unit governance.

The Council of Ministers amended promotion and seniority calculation rules for public sector employees in grade 11 and above. The minimum period for promotion from grade 11 upward is now set at four years, and prior work experience in similar positions counts as notional seniority for grade placement purposes, submitted once only upon or after appointment.

The Ministry of Economy approved the organizational structure, administrative bylaws, and financial bylaws for the Tripoli Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. The decision establishes a 15-unit structure including departments for investment, international relations, registration, and legal affairs. The Chamber operates under a General Assembly and Management Committee framework with defined responsibilities.

The Ministry of Finance has issued a circular mandating strict enforcement of existing mandatory retirement ages across all public and private sector employers. Employees must be notified three months before reaching retirement age (65 for men, 60 for women and hazardous occupation workers), with entities required by law to issue formal retirement decisions obligated to submit employee lists three months in advance. The circular emphasizes that retirement occurs automatically by operation of law and continuation of employment beyond prescribed ages carries legal consequences.

The Central Bank of Libya issued a formal rebuttal to the Prime Minister's February 17 speech regarding currency exchange rates and salary increases. The Bank warns that promised salary increases and a return to the 1.3 LYD/USD rate are financially unsustainable given Libya's fiscal trajectory, with consumption spending at 95% of the budget and subsidies ballooning from 20.8 billion to 61 billion dinars between 2021-2023.

The Central Bank of Libya has modified documentary credit (LC) regulations, tightening bill of lading date requirements while creating specific exemptions for bulk commodities and overland shipments from neighboring countries. Banks must now obtain customs declarations from Customs Authority directorate directors rather than local customs heads, with a three-month submission deadline.

Libya's Council of Ministers issued comprehensive implementing regulations for the 2010 Telecommunications Law, establishing 11 detailed regulatory frameworks covering licensing, numbering, spectrum fees, interconnection, competition, and consumer protection. The regulations took immediate effect upon issuance on November 24, 2022.

The Council of Ministers approved shift work regulations for national employees of the General Electricity Company whose roles require 24-hour operational continuity. The regulations establish three shift methods (8-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour rotations), specify shift allowances of 10-15 dinars, and govern rest periods, overtime, and holiday compensation for shift workers.

The Ministry of Finance directs all ministries, authorities, and public entities to submit draft budget estimates for fiscal year 2026 by August 31, 2025. The circular establishes principles for revenue and expenditure preparation across budget chapters one, two, and four, emphasizing fiscal rationalization and compliance with existing financial system laws.

The High National Elections Commission has adopted implementing regulations governing the election process for professional syndicates, unions, and associations in Libya. The regulation establishes procedures for voter registration, polling centers, and technical supervision by the Commission. It became effective March 24, 2024.

The Council of Ministers approved five comprehensive regulations governing operations at Misrata Free Zone, covering employee affairs, financial management, procurement, warehousing, and penalties. This consolidates and updates previous fragmentary regulations dating from 2002-2013 into a unified operational framework. The zone is designated as a public utility with independent legal personality under the Ministry of Economy and Trade.

The Central Bank of Libya published a consolidated financial statement showing assets and liabilities of national banks and the banking institution as of January 31, 2007. This is a mandatory disclosure under Article 60 of Banking Law No. 1 of 2005, revealing aggregate sector positions including LYD 809 million in national bank assets and LYD 531 million in banking institution assets.

The Ministry of Economy and Trade has partially reversed its earlier directive requiring all import operations to go through approved banking channels. Import of most goods can now continue under previous mechanisms on a temporary basis, while medical equipment, medicines, and mother-child supplies still require approved banking operations. Export and foreign investment financial transfers remain subject to the banking requirement.

The Ministry of Economy has adopted implementing regulations for Libya's Credit Guarantee Fund, which provides guarantees covering up to 70% of financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises. The regulation defines eligible borrower categories, priority sectors, and procedures for guarantee issuance to reduce lending risk for banks and financial institutions.

The Central Bank of Libya authorizes banks to issue Visa/Mastercard cards loaded with up to $100,000 annually for companies, traders, and artisans to pay for industrial supplies, equipment, and services abroad. Cards must be 100% pre-funded in Libyan dinars, cannot be used domestically, and require customs documentation within two months of use.

The Central Bank of Libya establishes procedures allowing three designated banks (Al-Nouran, First Libyan Gulf, Al-Sahari) to approve direct foreign currency transfers for importing manufactured gold. Companies must have held a CBLKEY banking code for at least two years, transfers are capped at $2 million per transaction with a $15 million annual ceiling per company, and strict documentation and compliance requirements apply.

The Ministry of Economy has established a mandatory registration framework for all e-commerce operations in Libya, including online stores, mobile apps, and social media sales channels. The Libya Trade Network Institution is designated as the regulatory authority to license and oversee digital commerce activities. All e-commerce practitioners must register through a centralized platform to obtain an activity practice permit.

The Cabinet establishes comprehensive licensing requirements for labor service provision companies in Libya. Companies must be 100% Libyan-owned with national management, serve specific worker categories including job seekers and domestic workers, and obtain renewable annual permits from the Ministry of Labor. The regulation prohibits foreign participation and restricts activities to four defined labor categories.

The Central Bank of Libya announced it is studying a decision to withdraw all 50 dinar banknotes from circulation due to counterfeiting concerns and unlawful usage. Three versions currently circulate—issued by CBL Tripoli, CBL Benghazi, and counterfeit notes of unknown origin. A formal withdrawal mechanism with specific controls will be announced later.

The Central Bank of Libya issued urgent instructions to commercial banks on September 20, 2023, mandating priority processing of account opening applications from non-profit organizations, particularly international relief organizations responding to catastrophic flooding. Banks must fast-track these applications, refer them to the CBL daily, and face strict penalties for non-compliance.

The Council of Ministers adopted comprehensive financial regulations for the Libyan Center for Strategic Studies and National Security, a government entity reorganized in 2021. The regulation establishes internal financial controls, budgeting procedures, and operational expenditure frameworks for this security-focused research center.

The Central Bank of Libya establishes comprehensive controls for opening letters of credit, including value caps ($3M for services, $5M for commercial goods, $10M for industrial goods), mandatory foreign currency purchase before notification, and 50% co-financing limits. Banks must verify client data, ensure proforma invoices match beneficiary accounts, and require inspection certificates from ISO-accredited companies with valid CBL codes.

The Central Bank of Libya issued mandatory capital adequacy requirements for Islamic banks, adopting Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) standards aligned with Basel II. All Islamic banks must comply by March 31, 2023, with a transitional deadline of June 30, 2023, and submit quarterly capital adequacy reports.

The Prime Minister centralizes authority over all study and training missions abroad, requiring Council of Ministers approval for any such missions. The Ministry of Higher Education must submit comprehensive regulations governing these missions at the next Cabinet meeting. All conflicting provisions are repealed.

The Ministry of Economy and Trade has issued a circular declaring adequate food supply ahead of Ramadan and prohibiting price increases. The Ministry warns that raising prices while costs remain stable constitutes an economic crime and announces enhanced monitoring through a technical committee with enforcement authority.

The Ministry of Economy issued comprehensive implementing regulations for trademark registration and protection in Libya, effective January 17, 2024. The regulation establishes operational procedures for the Trademarks Office, defines trademark categories following international classification, and creates a formal complaints mechanism. It also introduces a mandatory agent registration system for entities handling trademark filings.

The Central Bank of Libya expanded Islamic financing options for individuals, raising the ceiling to LYD 120,000 and mandating banks allocate at least 20% of annual lending to retail customers. Banks must now offer financing for services like healthcare, education, and travel—not just physical commodities—using various Sharia-compliant structures beyond murabaha alone.

The High National Elections Commission has approved the regulatory framework governing voter registration procedures. This decision operationalizes the legal framework for upcoming elections to the National Assembly and Head of State established under Laws 27 and 28 of 2023. The by-law itself is not provided in the published text.

The Central Bank of Libya mandates all banks to implement Basel III liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) requirements. Banks must establish liquidity risk management frameworks, maintain minimum levels of highly liquid assets, and report results by Q1 2023. This formalizes Libya's adoption of international banking prudential standards.

The Central Bank of Libya issued mandatory qualification and appointment standards for directors of Internal Audit, Risk Management, and Sharia Audit departments in all banks and financial institutions. Banks must obtain Central Bank approval before appointing these positions and have four months to bring current personnel into compliance with the new requirements.

The Central Bank of Libya announces a public auction on December 1, 2024, for six seized 50-passenger Superjet buses in Benghazi. The seizure stems from enforcement proceedings against the Legal Representative of Al-Ittihad Land Transport Company, executed by North Benghazi Primary Court bailiff.

The Council of Ministers approved Decision No. 519 establishing comprehensive procedures and controls for municipal council elections in Libya. The regulation defines electoral structures, voter registration systems (including electronic registration), candidate qualifications, and establishes the Central Committee responsible for organizing elections. It replaces prior electoral frameworks dating to 2013.

The Council of Ministers has revised visa and residence fee schedules under the 1987 foreigners law. Multiple-entry visa fees increased to LYD 1,000, work residence permits now cost LYD 500 annually, and overstay penalties rose to LYD 500 per month. Fees may be paid in convertible foreign currency at official exchange rates.

Decision No. 944 of 2022 was issued by the Ministry of Economy on October 13, 2022, establishing comprehensive regulations for foreign investment participation, branch establishment, and representative offices in Libya. The regulation was subsequently suspended and repealed by Decision No. 1000 of 2022, reverting control to the earlier 2012 framework under Decision No. 207.

The Commercial Registry Authority mandates that all transactions involving commercial registries of any company type—public, private, joint venture, foreign branch, or bank—registered in Tripoli must be conducted exclusively through the electronic system. Paper-based or manual registry dealings are no longer recognized as valid.

The Ministry of Transport has adopted an annex to the 2018 regulation governing the handling of dangerous goods in Libyan ports. The amendment updates safety controls and requirements, applying to all cargo classified as dangerous by the International Maritime Organization arriving at or transiting through any Libyan port.

The Ministry of Economy and Trade directs all public companies, government entities, and budget-funded units to prioritize procurement of materials and supplies from the local market, particularly locally manufactured products. The directive aims to support domestic economic indicators including unemployment reduction and foreign currency conservation.

The Central Bank of Libya authorized commercial banks to process direct external transfers for national airlines and insurance companies to settle foreign obligations. Airlines must provide certified original invoices; insurance companies require case-by-case Insurance Supervisory Authority approval. All transfers must comply with CBL controls and KYC requirements.

The Central Bank of Libya authorizes commercial banks to process direct foreign remittances for industrial companies to pay for spare parts, consultancy, and maintenance services. The remittance limit is set at 4% of the company's prior-year letter of credit value, subject to relationship and documentation requirements.

The High National Elections Commission adopted detailed procedures governing the election of leadership positions within the General Union for Food Industries. The regulation establishes a Central Committee to supervise the electoral process, sets candidacy requirements, and mandates direct secret ballot voting with a 50%+1 threshold for election success.

The National Security Advisor adopts implementing regulations for the National Security Council, establishing employment procedures, organizational structure, and operational mechanisms. The regulation covers personnel affairs, job classifications, document requirements, and the Council's mandate to coordinate national security strategy across internal security, defense, and foreign policy domains.

The High National Elections Commission adopts comprehensive executive regulations governing municipal council elections in Libya. The regulations establish electoral procedures, definitions, and frameworks for local government elections. This decision was subsequently amended by Decision No. 1 of 2025.

The Ministry of Finance has issued procedural instructions standardizing revenue collection and remittance across all government treasuries. The circular mandates specific forms for receipts, daily remittance of collected revenues to the Central Bank or Ministry of Finance treasuries, and prohibits ministries from using their revenues directly for payments. It addresses confusion and non-compliance observed in treasury operations.

The High National Elections Commission adopted detailed procedures for updating Libya's voter register for upcoming presidential and National Assembly elections. The regulation establishes dual registration mechanisms (digital and in-person), verification procedures, and voter card distribution protocols. It implements Laws 27 and 28 of 2023 governing the electoral process.

The High National Elections Commission adopted comprehensive procedural regulations governing the election of the General Syndicate of Private Education and Training Institutions. The decision establishes the electoral framework, voter registration processes, and operational definitions for conducting syndicate elections in Libya's private education sector.

The High National Elections Commission adopted procedural regulations governing the election of leadership for the General Union for Educational Guidance and Inspection. The regulation establishes electoral procedures, voter registration processes, and polling mechanisms specific to this professional union in Libya's education sector.

The Council of Ministers issued comprehensive regulations governing all government procurement in Libya. The by-law establishes mandatory procedures for tender committees, requires use of a unified electronic procurement platform, and applies to contracts under Chapters One and Two of the state budget. It takes effect immediately and applies retroactively to existing contracts where terms do not conflict.

The House of Representatives established executive regulations for Law No. 3 of 2023, creating a General Authority to supervise all professional unions, federations, and associations in Libya. The regulation sets registration requirements, structural frameworks, and oversight mechanisms for professional bodies. This decision was subsequently repealed and replaced by Decision No. 29 of 2023.

The Ministry of Finance prohibits financial controllers and their assistants from participating in any executive, financial, or contractual committees formed by entities they oversee. The circular aims to prevent conflicts of interest and preserve the independence of financial oversight functions. Violations expose controllers to administrative accountability under existing labor law.

The Central Bank of Libya mandates comprehensive risk management frameworks for all commercial banks, requiring board-approved strategies, risk appetite definitions, and bank-wide monitoring systems. Banks must maintain adequate capital and liquidity relative to their risk profiles, with regular supervisory review. The circular operationalizes Basel Committee Principle 15 within Libya's banking sector.

The Central Bank of Libya mandates all licensed banks to establish a dedicated unit within three weeks to monitor implementation of Basel Committee banking supervision standards. The unit must be subordinate to the Risk Management Department and focus on capital adequacy assessment and staff training on Basel accords.

The Central Bank of Libya issued mandatory guidance requiring all banks to implement Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) reporting under Basel II Pillar 2 standards. Banks received a three-month implementation deadline from October 2022. This establishes comprehensive risk assessment and capital adequacy frameworks aligned with international banking supervision practices.

The Central Bank of Libya mandates all commercial banks to urgently establish Asset and Liability Committees (ALCO) to manage balance sheet risks including liquidity, interest rate, and market risks. Banks must report committee formation decisions and submit monthly meeting minutes to the Banking and Currency Supervision Department.

The Central Bank of Libya mandates commercial banks implement Basel II capital adequacy standards, setting a minimum capital adequacy ratio of 12.5%. Banks must calculate capital adequacy incorporating credit risk, market risk, and operational risk using prescribed formulas. Banks falling below the threshold must immediately adjust operations or raise capital.

The Central Bank of Libya has ordered commercial banks to ban transactions with 100 UAE-registered companies pending completion of Attorney General investigations. The ban follows a Financial Information Unit analysis of USD 1.07 billion in documentary credits opened through Al-Yaqeen Bank in 2021, where beneficial owners were identified as Libyan nationals operating through UAE entities.

The Ministry of Health establishes a new administrative office within its organizational structure called the 'Office of Referral Under Service Disposal.' This office operationalizes Cabinet Decision No. 18 of 2023 concerning the management of personnel placed under service disposal arrangements. The decree is effective immediately from its May 5, 2025 issuance date.

The House of Representatives amended the implementing regulations for Law No. 3 of 2023 on professional syndicates and unions. The amendments assign the High National Elections Commission authority over syndicate elections and cap leadership compensation at grade thirteen salary levels. The changes take immediate effect.

The Central Bank of Libya's Board of Directors convened for the first time in a decade and issued ten decisions covering banking reform, monetary policy tools, currency withdrawal, and operational improvements. Key measures include a 90-day strategic plan, approval of Islamic finance instruments, licensing frameworks for financial leasing companies and exchange offices, and invalidation of the 50 dinar banknote by May 2025.

The House of Representatives approved implementing regulations for Law No. 3 of 2023 governing the formation and operation of professional unions, federations, and associations. The regulation establishes structural requirements, membership thresholds, and governance frameworks for labor and professional organizations across Libya's administrative units.

The Ministry of Economy mandates that all payment operations related to imports, exports, and re-exports must be conducted through approved banking channels, effective 03-01-2024. The circular also extends this requirement to foreign investment transfers, including joint ventures and branch establishment. A one-month grace period applies to bills of lading issued before the effective date.

The Central Bank of Libya issued a formal warning to Libyan Islamic Bank following an August-September 2023 inspection that uncovered serious governance failures and conflicts of interest. The bank has one month to correct violations including unauthorized related-party transactions totaling over 86 million dinars for land purchases from shareholders, inadequate board oversight, and foreign exchange losses of 13 million dinars.

The Central Bank of Libya has ordered the Libyan Islamic Bank to immediately suspend all financing, investment operations with companies, new equity participations, documentary credit financing, and foreign currency trading by its Treasury Department. The directive follows an inspection conducted between August 6 and September 7, 2023, which identified multiple violations and performance deficiencies.

The Central Bank of Libya has issued Circular No. 18/2025 establishing comprehensive data protection requirements for all banks, specialized banks, and licensed electronic payment companies. The circular mandates specific security standards for handling personal, financial, and company data, requires appointment of data protection officers, and establishes penalties for non-compliance. This framework applies immediately to all financial institutions operating under CBL supervision.

The Central Bank of Libya issued mandatory instructions requiring all banks to calculate and maintain a Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) of at least 100% under Basel III standards. Banks must submit their first quarter 2023 results to the newly established Basel Committee Banking Supervision Instructions Implementation Unit. This follows the December 2022 Liquidity Coverage Ratio requirements.

Council of Ministers Decision No. 846/2024 amends Article 1 of the Executive Regulations for Stamp Duty Law No. 12/2004. The amendment expands acceptable payment methods for stamp duty to include electronic payments, certified checks, and cash remittances alongside traditional stamped paper and physical stamps.

The Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity orders ministers, deputy ministers, and heads of public agencies to limit security escort vehicles to two vehicles maximum for ministers and one for others. The circular prohibits routine street closures during official movements and restricts the display of weapons by protection details except in emergencies.

The Ministry of Finance mandates all government administrative units funded by the General Treasury to submit monthly employee salary statements electronically through the Unified Treasury Account System using standardized Form R.M.H. 13 by the 20th of each month. The new mechanism becomes effective October 2025, with the Ministry of Finance handling review and disbursement directly through the Central Bank's real-time payment system.

The Council of Ministers amended Article 64 of the Accounts and Stores Regulations to authorize Libyan diplomatic missions and consulates abroad to spend their locally-generated revenues directly, subject to Ministry of Finance approval and subsequent settlement. This deviates from standard centralized treasury controls.

The Central Bank of Libya issued new regulations governing foreign currency purchases and documentary credit operations for imports. Banks now have authority to approve letter of credit applications without CBL committee review, subject to specified monetary caps and compliance requirements. The circular establishes tiered limits for service ($2M), commercial ($3M), and industrial ($7M) documentary credits while imposing strict documentation, timing, and collateral requirements.

The High National Elections Commission establishes electoral constituencies for municipal council elections across 33 municipalities in Libya's Eastern, Southern, and Western regions. The decision allocates council seats with mandatory quotas for women, persons with disabilities, and ethnic components in certain southern municipalities.

The Central Bank of Libya has granted final approval for Al-Sahary Bank to convert to an Islamic bank, effective January 1, 2024. This follows preliminary approval issued in April 2023. The bank's management must now implement full Sharia compliance for all financial transactions.

The Central Bank of Libya issued comprehensive audit procedures for banks' final accounts, effective January 1, 2023. The circular establishes mandatory requirements for external auditor selection, qualifications, reporting standards, and compliance with international accounting standards. All banks operating in Libya must implement these procedures immediately.

The Ministry of Finance issued implementation rules for Cabinet Resolutions 406 and 499 of 2022, establishing a new social security contribution structure totaling 20.5% of salary. The burden is distributed 70% to employers, 25% to employees, and 5% to the General Treasury, covering pension, basic pension, health care, and other social benefits.

The Ministry of Finance directs all government entities to pay obligations only within approved budget allocations and prohibits referring unpaid claims to the Ministry. Government entities that create financial obligations without budget coverage bear legal responsibility. The Ministry clarifies it is a funding authority, not a payment guarantor.