In brief
Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti announced that Tunisia will step up its fight against smuggling networks, emphasizing a balanced approach that includes security, humanitarian aid, and international cooperation. The government will strengthen border protection, support regular migration flows, and collaborate with origin, transit, and destination countries, including the IOM.",
On Thursday, Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti declared that the country would double down on efforts to curb migrant smuggling and prevent its territory from becoming a transit or settlement point for irregular migrants. The announcement was made at a press briefing attended by senior officials and was reported by Xinhua and highlighted by the private radio station Mosaique FM as a renewed commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and border security.
Nafti stressed that Tunisia will continue its fight against smuggling networks and reject any efforts that could transform the nation into a “landing platform” for asylum‑seekers. He said the ministry is working to build a comprehensive and balanced approach that supports regular and organized migration channels while tackling irregular migration and its root causes, such as poverty, unemployment and socio‑economic disparities.
“Tunisia will continue its efforts to combat migrant smuggling networks and rejects any attempt to turn its territory into a transit or settlement country for migrants,”Nafti said, a statement echoed by Mosaique FM in the private radio broadcast.
He added that the country’s strategy goes beyond security measures, integrating humanitarian and development dimensions and respecting migrants’ dignity and rights. The minister called for “stronger cooperation and solidarity” among origin, transit, and destination countries, based on shared responsibility for sustainable migration management.
In line with these goals, Tunisia is tightening coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The ministry will focus on voluntary return assistance and reintegration programs, enabling migrants who wish to return home to do so safely and with dignity, the minister noted.
Looking ahead, the Tunisian government will continue to enhance border controls, strengthen partnerships with regional and international actors, and implement policies that encourage regular migration pathways while dismantling smuggling networks.
