The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has facilitated the voluntary return of 105 Gambian nationals from Tunisia to their home country, in what marks the 18th repatriation flight organized by the agency this year.
According to the IOM, the returnees will receive tailored assistance to support their social and economic reintegration in “dignified and sustainable conditions.” The operation is part of the organisation’s broader voluntary return and reintegration program, which ensures that migrants are repatriated safely and under supervision.
“This program is designed to offer migrants a secure pathway home while providing the necessary support for rebuilding their lives,” an IOM spokesperson said.
Tunisia has become a major transit hub for migrants seeking passage to Europe, and the country’s economic and social conditions have increasingly challenged the migrant population. Many face difficulties in securing employment, housing, and access to essential services, prompting the IOM to step up its interventions.
In July 2025 alone, the IOM facilitated the voluntary return of 1,096 migrants from Tunisia through three special flights and 35 commercial flights, reflecting the growing demand for safe and structured repatriation options.
The latest operation underscores the IOM’s role at the heart of regional migration management policies, aiming both to protect vulnerable populations and to support countries in handling the pressures of transit migration.
Officials emphasized that voluntary return programs not only provide immediate relief for migrants in precarious situations but also strengthen long-term cooperation between Tunisia, origin countries, and international organizations in managing migration flows.
With Tunisia remaining a key departure point for those seeking to reach Europe, the IOM’s ongoing flights and reintegration efforts are expected to continue as part of a coordinated regional strategy to ensure that migration occurs safely, legally, and sustainably.
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