To combat illegal immigration, Tunisia has been trying for several years to prevent migrants from reaching its borders. To this end, it is stepping up its efforts and approaches to put an end to this phenomenon.
In this context, a number of new programs have been launched to develop the skills and experience of the managers and officers of the National Guard in the field of security management of irregular migration.
Based on international conventions, treaties and national legislation, these programs are an integral part of the ongoing effort to train officers in the safe management of irregular migration, with the aim of enabling them to carry out their missions in the best possible way, according to the latest edition of the National Guard’s Annual Report, published in December 2024.
The missions of its units with regard to irregular migrants include, in particular, participation in rescue operations, both on land and at sea, as part of border security, according to the same source.
This includes providing direct assistance to migrants, either by distributing humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations or by organizing medical convoys to assess their state of health and provide the necessary care.
In the same context, the National Guard is implementing measures to combat human trafficking and is working to dismantle the criminal networks involved, according to the publication.
With regard to the living conditions of irregular migrants in the El Ouardia accommodation and orientation centers (Tunis governorate), the Directorate General of the National Guard has opened these facilities to external monitoring and control bodies to allow visits and assessments of the human and material environment of the centers, according to the magazine.
80% reduction in irregular migrants to Europe by 2024
The number of irregular migrants heading to Europe via Tunisia has fallen by 80% in the past year compared to 2023, according to the president of the committee on irregular migration, Brigadier General Khaled Jrad, who spoke to the Assembly of People’s Representatives, according to a parliamentary press release.
“By adopting a security and humanitarian approach, and after extraordinary efforts and measures, the number of migrants crossing to Europe through our country has decreased from 97,667 in 2023 to 19,245 in 2024, a rate of 80%,” said Jrad.
“The number of (irregular) immigrants present on the national territory, estimated at 20,000, has stabilized and no increase has been recorded,” he continued.
The number of arrivals at the land borders decreased to 1,839 in the third quarter of 2024, and the number of those wishing to return voluntarily increased during 2024.
Jrad highlighted some of the difficulties that sometimes hamper security work, including the 2,200-kilometre-long Mediterranean coast, the length of the land borders with Algeria and Libya, the lack of human resources, logistical difficulties and the inadequacy of certain legislation to combat the phenomenon (…).
