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🛒 تسوق الآن27,000 Migrants Returned Voluntarily From Tunisia Through IOM Program
27,000 Migrants Returned Voluntarily From Tunisia Through IOM Program
Tunisia National Guard Announces Record Voluntary Returns
Colonel Hosam Eddin Al-Jabali, official spokesperson for Tunisia's National Guard, confirmed that more than 27,000 migrants have been voluntarily repatriated from Tunisia to their home countries. The returns were coordinated through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with Tunisian authorities. In an exclusive statement to France 24 on June 9, 2026, Colonel Al-Jabali said the total number of migrants from sub-Saharan African countries who returned voluntarily through IOM programs has exceeded the 27,000 mark, reflecting a significant acceleration in repatriation efforts over recent months across North Africa's migration corridor.
IOM Coordination With Tunisian Government
The voluntary return operations have been conducted in close coordination between Tunisia's National Guard administration and the IOM, the United Nations migration agency. The program offers migrants who wish to return to their countries of origin logistical and financial support, including travel arrangements and reintegration assistance. The 27,000 figure represents a cumulative total of voluntary returns facilitated since the program's intensification, marking one of the largest organized return efforts in the region's recent history. The total number of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa who have returned voluntarily through these coordinated efforts now surpasses 27,000.
Key Facts About the Voluntary Return Operations
- Colonel Hosam Eddin Al-Jabali, spokesperson for Tunisia's National Guard, confirmed the figure of over 27,000 voluntary returns as of June 2026.
- The returns were conducted through IOM voluntary humanitarian return programs in coordination with Tunisian state authorities.
- Migrants from multiple sub-Saharan African countries participated in the returns, departing from Tunisian territory.
- Earlier in May 2026, Colonel Al-Jabali stated that more than 4,000 irregular migrants had been returned voluntarily within less than one year through the same channels.
- The program is part of broader European Union-funded efforts to manage migration flows across the Mediterranean corridor.
- Human rights organizations have expressed concerns about whether all returns are genuinely voluntary, given the pressure some migrants face in Tunisia.
Concerns Over Conditions and Genuine Voluntariness
Despite the official figures, several human rights groups and journalists have raised questions about the conditions under which these returns take place. France 24's investigative unit reported in February 2026 that a mysterious WhatsApp group was offering to organize rapid repatriation for sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia, raising concerns about potential coercion. Migrant encampments near Sfax, including El Amra and Jebeniana, housing thousands of migrants have been repeatedly targeted by Tunisian authorities in dismantlement operations. Activists argue that some migrants may feel compelled to accept "voluntary" return due to deteriorating living conditions, lack of legal status, and limited alternatives in Tunisia.
What This Means for Libya and North Africa
Libya remains one of the primary transit countries for migrants attempting to reach Europe via the Mediterranean. According to the IOM's Libya Weekly Maritime Update, 435 migrants were intercepted at sea and returned to Libya in late April 2026 alone. The acceleration of voluntary return programs from Tunisia could shift migration dynamics across the region, with some analysts suggesting it may reduce pressure on Tunisia while increasing flows through alternative routes, including through Libya. For Libyan authorities, any shift in migration patterns carries significant implications for border security, humanitarian response, and diplomatic relations with both Tunisia and the European Union. With 3,440 people intercepted at sea and returned to Libya in the first quarter of 2026 — a 32% decrease compared to Q1 2025 — the regional migration landscape continues to evolve rapidly.
Looking Ahead: Migration Policy in Flux Across North Africa
The voluntary return program reflects a broader trend across North African countries — including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and Niger — where governments are increasingly cooperating with the IOM and European partners to manage migration flows. More than 250,000 migrants stranded in these six transit countries have been assisted through various IOM programs. As Tunisia's National Guard continues to expand its voluntary return operations, the international community will be watching closely to ensure that returns are genuinely voluntary and that the rights and dignity of all migrants are upheld throughout the process.
— LibyaPress / Security Desk
