A Maltese businessman has been under arrest in Libya for just over a week, having been caught up in the controversy between that country's rival governments over the recognition of visas.

Informed sources said the man is under arrest in the area controlled by the (internationally recognised) Tobruk Government. He was arrested on arrival after using a visa issued by the administration in Tripoli.

It is understood that the businessman travelled to Libya several times, mostly because of links in Misurata.

Efforts are underway to secure his release.

The advice against travel to Libya, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is still in force.

In a statement, the government said it is closely following the case and it is also in contact with the man's family. Another person, not necessarily Maltese, may also be under arrest with the man. They are in the town of Labrak.

The government again urged people to heed its travel advice and to exercise caution if they have to travel to Libya. 

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