Tunisia has repatriated about 10,000 irregular migrants so far this year, most of them from sub-Saharan African countries, Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti told lawmakers on Tuesday, as pressure mounts from the European Union to curb Mediterranean crossings.
Nafti said the returns were conducted through a voluntary program coordinated with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with weekly flights assisting migrants back to their countries of origin. He added that Tunisia has made clear to European partners that it “will not become a transit zone.”
According to official figures, Tunisia repatriated roughly 7,200 migrants in 2024 under the same initiative. Authorities say they intend to continue repatriations to reduce irregular movements.
The country is grappling with a migration crisis, with thousands of sub-Saharan Africans living in makeshift tents in forests around southern towns including Amra and Jbeniana after repeated attempts to prevent sea departures. As maritime security has tightened, the number of migrants reaching Europe this year has fallen significantly, officials say.
