Tunisia has repatriated approximately 10,000 irregular migrants so far this year, Foreign Minister Nafti announced on Tuesday, highlighting a large-scale operation as the nation faces mounting pressure from the European Union to curb Mediterranean crossings.
The majority of those returned are from sub-Saharan African countries, according to the minister.
In a statement to Parliament, Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti detailed that the repatriations were conducted through a voluntary return program, coordinated in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The program has involved organizing weekly flights to facilitate the migrants’ journeys back to their countries of origin.
The announcement comes amid intensified efforts by the EU to stem the flow of migrants and asylum seekers departing from North African shores towards Europe. Tunisia, along with Libya, is a primary departure point for these perilous sea voyages.
Striking a firm tone, Nafti stated that Tunis has repeatedly clarified to its European partners that “it will not become a transit zone,” underscoring the country’s position against being a long-term staging ground for migration flows to Europe.
The voluntary returns program represents a key part of Tunisia’s strategy to manage migration on its soil, even as it navigates complex demands from international allies and its own economic challenges.
TunisianMonitorOnline (NejiMed)
