In brief
On November 6, 2026, Tunisia’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti announced that the country would intensify efforts against migrant smuggling, rejecting its use as a transit or settlement hub. He outlined a balanced strategy that combines border security with humanitarian support and stresses the importance of addressing root causes such as poverty and unemployment. The minister also called for stronger cooperation with origin, transit, and destination states, and highlighted ongoing coordination with the International Organization for Migration on voluntary return assistance.
On Thursday, November 6, 2026, Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti announced a renewed commitment to fight migrant smuggling, stating that Tunisia would not allow its territory to become a transit or settlement hub for irregular migrants. The announcement comes in the wake of growing concerns that the Maghreb country could serve as a landing platform for asylum seekers and smuggling routes between Sub‑Saharan Africa and Europe.
In the brief televised statement, Nafti said, "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." He added that protecting national sovereignty and tightening border controls were central to the plan.
Balanced Approach to Security and Humanitarian Aid
The minister outlined a comprehensive and balanced strategy that extends beyond security measures. According to the private radio station Mosaique FM, Nafti emphasized that the country would pursue both rigorous crackdowns on smuggling and human‑trafficking networks while ensuring that migrants retain dignity and rights. He stressed the importance of humanitarian assistance for those already in the country and highlighted the need for development efforts to address vulnerabilities that often drive people to risk the perilous sea crossing.
Key to the program is turning to a more systematic approach, with regular and organized migration channels supported by proper licensing and training. The minister reaffirmed the government’s intent to assist those choosing to return home, offering thorough reintegration assistance and ensuring that voluntary return, where desired, would be carried out safely and dignifiedly.
Root causes, especially poverty, unemployment and socio‑economic disparities in the migrants’ home countries, were identified as major drivers behind smuggling. Nafti called for a shared responsibility model, urging origin, transit and destination states to collaborate on sustainable migration management. He highlighted that Tunisia would work closely with the International Organization for Migration in this endeavor, coordinating on voluntary return programs and reintegration support for those who wish to return home.
With these measures, Tunisia aims to signal clearly to smugglers that the country intends to maintain firm control over its borders while offering humanitarian parkways for legitimate migration flows. The announcement marks a reaffirmation of Tunisia’s multi‑pronged stance against irregular migration, combining law enforcement, development, and cooperative diplomacy to counter smuggling networks.
