Tunisian President Calls for Accelerated Return of Migrants

TUNIS, 26 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Tunisian President Kais Saied has urged the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to expedite efforts in facilitating the voluntary return of irregular migrants to their home countries.

In a statement shared on Facebook late on Tuesday, the presidency highlighted that "only 1,544 migrants have been repatriated" since the beginning of the year. The statement expressed concern that the number could have been significantly higher if greater efforts had been made to effectively address the issue.

Tunisia has become a crucial departure point for migrants attempting the perilous Mediterranean Sea crossing in search of a better life in Europe. Each year, tens of thousands of mainly sub-Saharan African migrants make the dangerous journey, hoping to reach European shores.

The country’s coastline is less than 150 kilometres (90 miles) from the Italian island of Lampedusa, often the first European stop for many of these migrants. Despite Tunisia’s proximity to Europe, many migrants find themselves stranded in the country due to growing European Union efforts to limit migrant arrivals.

The IOM offers free flights to migrants who volunteer to return to their home countries, along with reintegration assistance. Last year, Tunisian authorities reported that 7,250 migrants were repatriated under the programme.

However, the dangers of the Mediterranean crossing remain, with the IOM reporting that 343 migrants have died or gone missing so far this year. This follows a staggering 2,476 migrant deaths or disappearances in 2024.

Earlier this month, Tunisia’s national guard rescued 612 migrants and recovered 18 bodies from the sea off the country’s coast.

In contrast, Italy has seen a slight increase in migrant arrivals, with 8,743 migrants reaching its shores so far this year, according to the Italian Interior Ministry. This marks a small rise compared to the same period in 2024.

The rise in migrant arrivals and the challenges faced by both Tunisia and Europe underscore the ongoing migrant crisis in the Mediterranean, highlighting the urgent need for more effective solutions to address the humanitarian issue.