This study investigates how illegal migrants from African countries crossed Libya’s land and maritime boundaries with the aim of reaching Europe, and the reasons why Libya became both a transit and a destination country. In evaluating the appearance and subsequent development of the phenomenon of illegal migrants transiting through Libyan territory to Europe, the study examines the appropriate regulatory and administrative frameworks and the requirements for entry into, residence and/or employment, and departure from Libya. It looks at how the Libyan authorities have dealt with illegal migrants who, after being caught crossing Libya’s land borders, were detained in camps inside Libya, or were intercepted at sea while they were trying to reach Europe. It questions whether or not the Libyan authorities were serious about, or even interested in controlling the flow of illegal migrants through Libyan territory. Based on detailed information obtained from a questionnaire and interviews with a large sample of illegal migrants (as well as with Libyan officials), facts were collected about the experiences of these illegal migrants, in order to establish their motives for choosing Libya as a transit country. Once they had entered Libya, their experiences in Libya were in fact not unpleasant, and those caught by the police and detained in the camps were reasonably well-treated. Many respondents whose initial attempt to reach Europe had not succeeded were prepared to repeat the journey, and most regarded the assistance they had received and the money they had paid as good value. The study concludes that Libya was in effect an open space for both legal and illegal migrants, who planned either to stay in Libya illegally or to transit illegally to Europe via Libya, and that the whole process took place with the full knowledge of the Libyan government.