The International Organization for Migration (IOM) facilitated the voluntary return of 141 stranded Gambian migrants from Tunisia on Friday. This marks the highest chartered voluntary return of stranded migrants from the country in a single day since the establishment of the organization’s operations in the country in 2001.

On Thursday, The Gambia Journal revealed talks between Nabil Ammar, the foreign minister of Tunisia, and his Gambian counterpart Mamadou Tangara about making efforts with global expert organizations to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of undocumented Gambian immigrants who are presently stuck in Tunisia in order to ensure their safe return to The Gambia.

According to IOM, most of the migrants, all of whom are men, were stranded in the Al Amra and Jebeniana localities of Sfax. Prior to departure, the organization supported the migrants with registration and documentation services, safe accommodation, health assessments, transportation assistance, and counseling services.

Azzouz Samri, IOM Chief of Mission in Tunisia, said, “This important step took place in partnership and coordination with governmental counterparts, the Tunisian Red Crescent, and the donor community to promote the safe and dignified return and reintegration of migrants in their country of origin.”

IOM is scaling up its operational capacity in Tunisia to respond to increasing migrant requests for voluntary return.

Returnees from Tunisia will receive tailored reintegration assistance in The Gambia, addressing their economic, social, and psychosocial needs. The IOM aims to provide 7,000 migrants with direct assistance, including food, thermal blankets, raincoats, and hygiene kits, as well as protection, return, and reintegration in North Africa (MPRR-NA) programs.