The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has assisted the voluntary return of 138 Guinean nationals from Tunisia to Conakry as part of a humanitarian programme aimed at ensuring safe and dignified repatriation.
The operation, which took place on Tuesday, 14 October, forms part of the IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) initiative.
Supported financially by the European Union and the Swedish government, the programme seeks to provide returning migrants with sustainable reintegration opportunities in their home country.
“The initiative is centred on human dignity and focuses on professional reintegration, skills training, and psychosocial support,” the IOM said in a statement relayed by the Tunisian press agency TAP.
Several of the returning migrants will also receive support to establish small local businesses, helping to foster economic independence and reduce the risk of irregular remigration.
Upon arrival in Conakry, the IOM team will welcome the migrants and guide them through tailored socio-economic reintegration projects aligned with their skills and needs.
This approach is designed to ensure long-term stability and integration within their communities.
The programme is implemented in close collaboration with Tunisian authorities and the Guinean consulate, reflecting ongoing partnerships between Tunisia and European partners to manage migration flows effectively and humanely.
Since the start of 2025, the IOM has assisted several hundred sub-Saharan migrants stranded in Tunisia, many facing precarious conditions or administrative hurdles.
Voluntary return operations like this provide an alternative to forced deportations, offering migrants a legal and safe pathway to return home.
The successful completion of this mission underscores the continued commitment of the IOM, Tunisia, and its international partners to sustainable, rights-based migration solutions across the region.
About The Author
