Tunisia facilitates voluntary return of 91 migrants

Tunisia is managing its migrant population through a comprehensive program that combines humanitarian, security, judicial, and social approaches. On June 16, 2026, authorities facilitated the voluntary return of 91 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, with 22 departing via Tunis-Carthage International Airport and the rest scheduled for later flights.

The Interior Ministry's voluntary return program has been active since July 2025, assisting around 5,000 migrants in returning to their home countries. Currently, approximately 1,000 individuals are housed in the "Kilomètre 21" camp in Sfax, awaiting their departure.

To streamline the process, Tunisia has expanded its network of reception points to four main centers, including new facilities in Nabeul, Sousse, and Sfax. These centers facilitate direct transfer to the "Kilomètre 21" camp for temporary accommodation and administrative processing. The speed of return varies; migrants with valid passports can depart within 72 hours, while others may take one to ten days, depending on consular and border police coordination.

Brigadier General Houssem Eddine Jebabli, spokesperson for the National Guard, highlighted Tunisia's capacity to handle migration issues. He noted that the International Organization for Migration has facilitated the return of approximately 27,000 migrants over the past three years. Jebabli stated, "Tunisia once again demonstrates its ability to manage the migration issue with a global approach combining humanitarian, security, judicial, and social dimensions."

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Tunisia demonstrates once again its ability to manage the migration issue with a global approach combining humanitarian, security, judicial, and social dimensions.