Tunisia has repatriated approximately 10,000 irregular migrants so far this year, primarily from African countries, as the North African nation seeks to deter crossings across the Mediterranean.

According to Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti, these repatriations have been conducted under a voluntary return program coordinated with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Weekly flights are arranged to facilitate the return of migrants to their home countries.

Nafti emphasized Tunisia's commitment to its European partners that it will not become a transit zone for irregular migration.

The initiative, which repatriated around 7,200 migrants in 2024, aims to continue returning remaining migrants until the phenomenon is eradicated.

The country faces a migration crisis, with thousands of African migrants residing in tents in southern Tunisian towns such as Amra and Jbeniana after authorities prohibited them from crossing the Mediterranean en route to Europe.

Tunisia's enhanced security measures along its maritime borders have significantly reduced the number of migrants reaching European shores this year.

This article provides factual information on Tunisia’s efforts to address migration issues without expressing personal or editorial opinions.