The evacuation of South Koreans in Libya is expected to be completed by this weekend at the earliest.

A Foreign Ministry official said Thursday that some 40 to 50 Koreans were expected to board South Korea’s “Choi Young” naval destroyer in Tripoli. The official added that another group of Korean workers for Daewoo Engineering and Construction as well as Hyundai Engineering and Construction are expected to leave Libya aboard a Greek ship this weekend. The official said once the evacuations are complete, some 100 Koreans would remain in Libya.

The official said the Koreans who have expressed wishes to stay have adhered to their position that they want to remain in the North African country. However, the official was quick to add that that number could change depending on developments that arise in the nation, which is mired in anti-government protests.

After delivering Korean citizens from Tripoli to Malta, the destroyer will remain in the region in preparation for any further evacuation measures.