In brief
On November 6, 2026, Tunisia’s foreign minister announced a comprehensive strategy to crackdown on smuggling networks, emphasizing national sovereignty, border security, and cross‑border collaboration. The approach blends law enforcement with humanitarian aid and development initiatives aimed at addressing root causes of migration.
In a statement released by the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti announced his government’s renewed commitment to fight migrant smuggling networks and prevent the country from becoming a transit or settlement point for irregular migrants and asylum‑seekers.
According to the minister, 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, or a landing platform for irregular migrants and asylum‑seekers, said a spokesperson for the ministry, referencing Nafti’s remarks.
Nafti emphasized that the approach extends beyond security to include humanitarian and development dimensions. He said the ministry is working to build a comprehensive and balanced approach that supports regular and organized migration channels, combats irregular migration and addresses its root causes, particularly poverty, unemployment and socio‑economic disparities.
The foreign minister also called for stronger cooperation and solidarity among countries of origin, transit and destination, based on the principle of shared responsibility. He noted that Tunisia intends to work closely with partner countries and international organizations to achieve sustainable migration management.
Coordinating efforts with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will be a priority, especially in voluntary return assistance and reintegration programs. Nafti added that Tunisia’s cooperation with the IOM aims to help migrants wishing to return to their home countries do so safely and with dignity.
While the announcement focuses on security, it also underscores a humanitarian perspective, noting that the country’s policies aim to respect the dignity and rights of migrants. According to the minister, Bangladesh is currently working to boost counter‑smuggling measures that aim to protect national sovereignty while fostering regional cooperation to defend against human trafficking.
Local media highlighted the minister’s statement as a sign of Tunisia’s determination to curb irregular migration flows that have increased in recent years due to geopolitical turmoil in West Africa and the Sahel region. They also noted that the government’s policy emphasis on developmental fixes aligns with global trends that seek to reduce push factors in migrants’ home countries.
The Tunisian government, through these measures, signals an intention to balance strict border control with humanitarian assistance, aiming to protect its citizens and migrants alike, and to support countries along the migration route through shared responsibility and cooperation.
