About 27,000 irregular migrants have voluntarily returned to their home countries over the last three years [1].
This figure highlights the Tunisian government's effort to reduce the number of irregular migrants within its borders through structured programs rather than forced deportations. The scale of the movement reflects the ongoing challenges Tunisia faces as a transit and destination point for migration in North Africa.
Brigadier Houssam Eddine Djebali, the spokesperson for the Tunisian National Guard, provided the data during an interview with France 24 [1]. He said that these individuals returned home as part of a voluntary return program implemented by Tunisian authorities [1].
According to the report, the process involves the gathering of irregular migrants in Tunis before they are transported to the Al-Amara camp in the Sfax governorate [1]. The camp serves as a hub for managing the logistics of the return process, and coordinating with the migrants' countries of origin.
Djebali said, "27 thousand migrants returned voluntarily to their countries" [1]. The program aims to provide a legal and organized alternative for migrants who no longer wish to remain in Tunisia or attempt to cross into Europe.
Tunisian authorities have increased their focus on managing irregular migration flows to maintain internal security and manage the resources of the state. The use of designated camps like Al-Amara allows the National Guard to track and process individuals before their departure [1].
“27 thousand migrants returned voluntarily to their countries”
The reported number of voluntary returns suggests that Tunisia is prioritizing administrative solutions to migration over purely punitive measures. By utilizing the Al-Amara camp in Sfax as a processing center, the government is attempting to institutionalize the return process, which may be intended to signal cooperation with international partners and home countries to stabilize migration flows.
