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The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has facilitated the voluntary return of 166 irregular migrants from Tunisia to their home country, the Gambia, the UN body said yesterday.
According to a statement released by IOM’s Tunisia office, the repatriation took place on Wednesday and included six women among the returnees. The statement added that all returning migrants would receive a tailored reintegration programme upon their return to the Gambia.
The agency highlighted that this repatriation was made possible through the European Union Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration in North Africa (MPRR-NA) programme that was launched by the European Union in January 2023.
Tunisia has seen a significant increase in irregular migration to Europe, particularly towards the Italian coast, amid the economic and political crises in the country and other African countries, especially those south of the Sahara.
In September 2023, the European Commission announced a €127 million ($135 million) aid package for Tunisia, with a portion of the funds aimed at curbing irregular migration flows.
Tunisia: 75% of sub-Saharan migrants forced across the border
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