Tunisia Repatriates 10,000 Migrants Amid EU Pressure

TUNIS, Tunisia – Tunisia has repatriated approximately 10,000 irregular migrants in 2023, mainly from sub-Saharan African nations, according to Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti on Tuesday.

Nafti informed lawmakers that these repatriations are part of a voluntary return program overseen by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Weekly flights have been organized to assist migrants in returning to their home countries.

The minister emphasized that Tunisia has made it clear to its European partners, saying, “it will not become a transit zone.” This statement comes amid ongoing pressures from the European Union to manage the migration crisis effectively.

In 2022, Tunisia repatriated around 7,200 migrants under the same initiative. Officials aim to continue returning migrants until the issue of irregular migration is addressed, stating their commitment to eliminate the phenomenon.

The migration crisis has intensified in Tunisia, with thousands of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa currently living in temporary shelters, including tents in forests near southern Tunisian towns like Amra and Jbeniana. Authorities have restricted their movements to prevent cross-Mediterranean sea journeys to Europe.

Tunisia’s increased security measures along its maritime borders have led to a significant decrease in the number of migrants arriving in Europe this year.