On the sidelines of his participation in the high-level segment of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti met with IOM Director-General Amy Pope. The meeting focused on existing cooperation relations between Tunisia and the IOM. According to a statement released by the ministry, they discussed the results achieved under the voluntary return and reintegration mechanism.
The voluntary return and reintegration mechanism has enabled the voluntary return of 5,077 irregular migrants since January 1, 2026, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 25,351 irregular migrants since its inception. The two parties also praised the efforts made by the IOM in this field and emphasized the importance of continued coordination to accelerate the pace of voluntary return operations and ensure sustainable reintegration of beneficiaries in their countries of origin.
During the meeting, Minister Nafti reiterated Tunisia's firm stance against being a land of transit or settlement, calling for a comprehensive approach to migration issues based on shared responsibility, respect for national sovereignty, human dignity, and human rights. He stressed the need for intensified international efforts to address the root causes of irregular migration and find more effective solutions to balance combating irregular migration with promoting legal migration channels.
The IOM Director-General, Amy Pope, commended the level of cooperation between the IOM and Tunisia, highlighting the importance of development programs and dismantling human trafficking networks to address the root causes of migration. The two officials also reviewed several programs led by the IOM, targeting foreign skills residing abroad to contribute to development efforts in their countries of origin.
Tunisia has been actively engaged in addressing migration issues, with a focus on promoting voluntary return and reintegration of irregular migrants. The country has also emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to migration, taking into account the root causes of the phenomenon. Minister Nafti's meeting with Director-General Pope reflects the ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between Tunisia and the IOM.
The IOM has been working closely with Tunisia to address migration challenges, including the development of programs aimed at promoting voluntary return and reintegration. The organization has also been involved in efforts to combat human trafficking and promote sustainable development in countries of origin. The meeting between Minister Nafti and Director-General Pope highlights the importance of continued cooperation between Tunisia and the IOM.
The discussions between Minister Nafti and Director-General Pope also touched on the importance of addressing the root causes of migration, including poverty, unemployment, and conflict. The two officials emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to migration, taking into account the complex interplay of factors driving migration flows. They also highlighted the importance of promoting sustainable development and respect for human rights in countries of origin.
Key points
- Tunisia and the IOM have cooperated on voluntary return and reintegration programs for irregular migrants.
- Minister Nafti emphasized Tunisia's firm stance against being a land of transit or settlement for migrants.
- The IOM and Tunisia are working together to address the root causes of migration and promote sustainable development.
