Feb 27 • 10:13 UTC 🇫🇷 France France24

Migrants in Tunisia face growing pressure to leave 'voluntarily'

Migrants in Tunisia are experiencing heightened pressure from authorities to leave the country voluntarily amid intensified crackdowns on camps.

In Tunisia, migrants, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa, are facing increasing pressure to leave the country as authorities ramp up efforts against informal migrant camps. Reports indicate that a WhatsApp group has emerged, offering fast-track repatriation options for undocumented migrants attempting to return to their home countries. This development follows years of migrants settling in areas like Sfax, where they have been living in makeshift camps among olive trees due to harsh economic conditions affecting their home countries.

The crackdown by Tunisian authorities, which began with intensified raids at night, has significantly heightened the risks for these migrants, as many fear for their safety and security. Ibrahim, a migrant from Sierra Leone who remains anonymous for safety reasons, shared that these nighttime operations disrupt their already precarious living situations. The fear of raids and the urgency to find a way back home is palpable among the migrant community, as they face dire circumstances with little support.

The implications of this situation extend beyond the immediate safety of these migrants; it raises questions about Tunisia's policies on migration and its obligations to protect vulnerable individuals. With many migrants opting for repatriation rather than facing the risks of detention and insecurity, it highlights a growing trend in how North African countries are handling migration issues amidst broader regional and global humanitarian challenges.

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