The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has announced a record milestone in its humanitarian operations, facilitating the repatriation of 8,853 migrants from Tunisia to their countries of origin throughout 2025.
This figure represents a 28% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting the intensifying migratory pressures in North Africa. The “Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration” program primarily serves individuals from sub-Saharan Africa who found themselves stranded in Tunisia after attempting to reach Europe via the Mediterranean.
The 2025 data reveals a troubling rise in acute vulnerabilities among the migrant population. The IOM noted a significant increase in the number of unaccompanied or separated children, as well as victims of human trafficking, requiring specialized care. While the vast majority were repatriated to 27 different countries of origin, a small group of 103 asylum seekers and refugees were successfully resettled in five third countries. These returns are typically facilitated through individualized assistance, which includes logistical arrangements for commercial or charter flights and financial aid to help individuals reintegrate into their home communities.
This repatriation effort is a collaborative project funded largely by European nations and implemented in coordination with the Tunisian government and various home countries. The surge in voluntary returns follows a period of heightened social and political tension in Tunisia. In early 2023, President Kais Saied drew international scrutiny for his rhetoric regarding sub-Saharan migrants, which triggered a shift in the domestic environment and prompted many migrants to seek assistance in leaving the country.
As a major transit hub, Tunisia continues to face significant challenges in managing the thousands of people who arrive annually with the hope of crossing to Europe. The IOM emphasizes that while the voluntary return program offers a safe and dignified pathway for those wishing to go home, the underlying drivers of migration in the region remain complex. The organization remains committed to working with national authorities to ensure that the rights and dignity of all migrants are protected during these transit and repatriation processes.
AK/fss/abj/APA