Since the beginning of 2024, more than 52,000 migrants have attempted to leave Tunisia for Europe, according to Tunisian Interior Minister Kamel Feki. This significant exodus, primarily involving migrants from Tunisia and other African and North African countries, underscores the ongoing crisis in the region. Many of these attempts have been intercepted by Tunisian authorities, but hundreds have tragically lost their lives at sea.
Speaking at the ‘Arab Forum to Stop Migrant Trafficking and Promote Safe and Regular Migration Pathways’ in Tunis on May 22 2024, Feki reported that 52,972 people have attempted maritime crossings this year, with 92 percent of those intercepted being foreigners. The forum, organized in cooperation with the Naif Arab University and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), aimed to address the complexities of irregular migration and human trafficking.
Minister Feki detailed that 4,336 individuals were rescued at sea, 98 percent of whom were from foreign countries. The Tunisian security and military forces have arrested 595 traffickers and organizers of illegal crossings, seizing 429 boats in the process. Despite these efforts, 3,369 departure attempts were thwarted, 103 boats sank, and 341 bodies were recovered, with 336 identified as foreign migrants.
The minister emphasized the close connection between irregular migration and crimes managed by specialized international trafficking networks. He highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation and measures to combat these illegal activities.
In a parliamentary hearing, Feki revealed that approximately 23,000 sub-Saharan migrants are living irregularly in Tunisia, while 9,000 are in a regular situation. These migrants come from 27 different sub-Saharan nationalities, reflecting the diverse and widespread nature of the migration crisis. Additionally, in 2023, Tunisian authorities prevented over 130,000 attempts to cross the country’s borders by land.
The ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate irregular migration are critical as Tunisia continues to face significant challenges in addressing the needs and safety of migrants. Enhanced international cooperation and comprehensive strategies are essential to promoting safe and regular migration pathways while combating human trafficking.