Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In a significant development, 166 irregular Gambian migrants have been voluntarily repatriated from Tunisia to The Gambia, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed yesterday. The repatriation, which took place on Wednesday, included six women among the returnees, according to a statement released by IOM’s Tunisia office.

The voluntary return was facilitated under the European Union’s Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration in North Africa (MPRR-NA) program, which was launched in January 2023. The program aims to assist migrants stranded in North Africa in returning to their home countries and to support their reintegration into society.

Upon arrival in The Gambia, all 166 returnees will benefit from a tailored reintegration program. This initiative is designed to help them rebuild their lives through various support measures, including skills training, business start-up assistance, and psycho-social support.

The reintegration program is crucial in ensuring that returnees can reintegrate into their communities and avoid the perilous journey of irregular migration in the future.

Tunisia has been a hotspot for irregular migration, with a significant increase in the number of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, particularly the Italian coast. This surge in migration is driven by economic and political instability not only in Tunisia but also in many sub-Saharan African countries, including The Gambia.

The European Union has taken steps to address the issue, including a €127 million ($135 million) aid package announced in September 2023. Part of these funds is allocated to curb irregular migration flows from Tunisia, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in managing migration challenges.

The voluntary return of Gambian migrants underscores the ongoing collaboration between international organizations, national governments, and the European Union in addressing the complex issue of irregular migration.

As The Gambia continues to grapple with the consequences of migration, the IOM’s efforts in providing safe and dignified return and reintegration opportunities remain vital for the well-being of those affected.