This was mentioned during Meloni’s visit to Tunisia on Thursday, according to Tunisia’s “Al Chourouk” newspaper, which reported that both sides emphasized the need to organize air bridges for the voluntary return of irregular migrants from Tunisia, alongside dismantling human trafficking networks and organ trafficking networks.
Saied stressed that Tunisia will not be a transit or settlement point for illegal migrants, who are victims of an unjust international system, noting that Tunisia is also a victim of this system.
A few days ago, Tunisian authorities announced that “around 4,500 illegal migrants from sub-Saharan countries have voluntarily left the country since the beginning of this year.”
The spokesperson for the Tunisian National Guard, Houssem Eddine Jebabli, previously stated that “the number of irregular migrants in Tunisian cities has decreased due to security measures, including thwarting attempts at sea migration towards Europe.”
Tunisia had started a campaign last April to clear illegal camps, coinciding with President Kais Saied’s call for international organizations to support voluntary repatriation efforts and combat human trafficking networks.
Additionally, the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in January that 7,250 migrants were voluntarily repatriated to their countries during 2024, in cooperation with international organizations.
