Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has facilitated the return of 78 Egyptians who were being held in Libya for illegally entering the country, the ministry announced on Thursday. 

Tunisia's International Organisation for Migration (IOM) office had notified the Egyptian foreign ministry that 115 Egyptians had been arrested in Libya.

The release comes as part of the ministry's efforts to protect Egyptians' interests abroad and preserve their safety, the ministry said.

Efforts are still underway to secure the return of the remaining Egyptian detainees.