Tunisia Faces Criticism Over Migrant 'Voluntary Return' Policies in Sfax

Tunisian authorities are encountering rising allegations from human rights organizations claiming that they are coercing irregular migrants into 'voluntary' returns to their home countries. This is occurring amidst ongoing security operations that focus on camps housing these migrants in the Sfax region.

Reports indicate that thousands of migrants, primarily from sub-Saharan countries, are living in camps in the towns of El Amra and Jbeniana, where they have faced repeated raids and demolitions of their shelters since early 2026.

In response, Tunisian officials assert that their actions are intended to regulate the situation of migrants and facilitate their voluntary return in collaboration with international organizations, denying any claims of coercion or violations.

However, critics argue that the harsh living conditions and security measures may effectively compel migrants to accept repatriation, raising significant questions about the nature of this 'voluntariness' and its alignment with international human rights standards.