Number of Beneficiaries of Voluntary Return and Reintegration Program for Irregular Migrants Reaches 22,377
Since its launch in 2022, the number of beneficiaries of the voluntary return and reintegration program for irregular migrants has increased to 22,377, with 2,103 individuals benefiting from the program in 2026 alone, according to Azzouz Samri, the head of mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Tunisia.
In an interview with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti, on Monday at the ministry's headquarters, Samri also announced that the organization is preparing to facilitate the return of nearly 400 additional migrants in the coming period.
The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress of the voluntary return and reintegration program for irregular migrants. The minister praised the efforts of the organization in ensuring the voluntary return of irregular migrants to their countries of origin, while respecting human rights and dignity.
He emphasized the importance of accelerating the pace of voluntary return flights, while ensuring social support, logistical, and medical accompaniment necessary to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of these returns. He also called for strengthening coordination, intensifying joint efforts, and developing mechanisms to encourage voluntary return, in order to offer better opportunities for reintegration in countries of origin and contribute to the support of solidarity development approaches.
From his side, the head of mission for the IOM in Tunisia commended Tunisia's comprehensive approach to managing the phenomenon of irregular migration, based on respect for the rights of migrants and the fight against human trafficking and organized crime networks.
The meeting also discussed various cooperation programs between Tunisia and the IOM, including projects related to integration and development. The "Helma" (Dream) project, for example, aims to strengthen socio-economic opportunities for young people most exposed to irregular migration and vulnerable categories.
The "Mobi-TRE" project was also mentioned, which aims to mobilize the investments and skills of the Tunisian diaspora abroad to support economic development in interior regions and contribute to the creation of sustainable jobs for young people.
Key Statistics:
- 22,377 beneficiaries of the voluntary return and reintegration program since its launch in 2022
- 2,103 beneficiaries in 2026 alone
- Nearly 400 additional migrants to be facilitated in the coming period
Programs and Projects:
- "Helma" (Dream) project: aims to strengthen socio-economic opportunities for young people most exposed to irregular migration and vulnerable categories
- "Mobi-TRE" project: aims to mobilize the investments and skills of the Tunisian diaspora abroad to support economic development in interior regions and contribute to the creation of sustainable jobs for young people
