Nearly 9,000 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa were repatriated in 2025 from Tunisia as part of the “voluntary returns” program coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN agency announced on Wednesday.
In a press release, the IOM claims to have “reached a record milestone” in its voluntary return and reintegration assistance system (AVRR), with 8,853 assisted returns in 2025, an increase of 28% compared to 2024.
The organization also highlights an increase in situations of acute vulnerability, including unaccompanied children, people separated from their families and victims of trafficking.
Logistical and financial support
According to the IOM, each return, supported within the framework of the program financed by several European partners, is accompanied by individualized support, including financial aid, travel organization and orientation towards reintegration mechanisms.
The agency specifies that the migrants were repatriated to 27 countries of origin, through commercial flights and charters set up with the logistical support of the Tunisian authorities.
At the same time, 103 refugees and asylum seekers were resettled in five third countries.
Since the start of 2025, the authorities have stepped up the fight against irregular departures and dismantled informal camps, mainly in the Sfax region, with the support of European funding.
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