Tunisia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti, has robustly defended his department’s approach to tackling irregular migration, emphasizing the country’s commitment to both national and international efforts in managing the issue.
Speaking during the 2025 budget review, Nafti outlined his ministry’s ongoing work in ensuring the safe return of irregular migrants while prioritizing human rights and dignity.
Addressing members of Tunisia’s Assembly of People’s Representatives (ARP) and the National Council for the Reform of Democracy (CNRD), Nafti explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working in close collaboration with various national ministries, civil society organizations, and international bodies.
This unified effort is focused on facilitating the voluntary and secure return of irregular migrants who wish to return to their home countries.
Nafti underscored that Tunisia’s approach is firmly rooted in respecting human rights, ensuring the dignity of migrants, and promoting a humane migration process.
He noted that the ministry’s work is not only a national priority but also an international one, with Tunisia coordinating with key partners, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Union (EU).
These international partnerships are essential in securing the necessary funding and resources to expedite the safe return process, which Nafti described as a multilateral effort.
The minister also highlighted the success of Tunisia’s migration strategy, which has begun to show positive results.
He expressed hope that the United Nations and other international partners will continue to support this initiative, working in coordination with neighboring countries and involved parties to ensure a smooth and efficient process, while maintaining full adherence to international obligations and human rights standards.
