Deportation of Several Sub-Saharan Africans as Part of Voluntary Return to Their Home Countries

IOM Tunisia Strengthens its Support to Migrants through the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programme Tunis, 18 April – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Tunisia organized on 17 April a charter flight from Tunis Carthage to Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport in Conakry, Guinea, supporting 142 migrants to voluntarily return and resume their lives back home. This is part of IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme, which offers safe and dignified assistance for migrants opting to voluntarily return to their countries of origin, but who lack the means to do so. IOM provides migrants with counselling and tailored assistance, including case management, direct assistance, protection services, and health consultations, as part of the AVRR programme.

IOM adapts its response to migrants’ requests, developing personalized case plans to support their reintegration back home. Reintegration assistance may include income-generating activities, training, access to basic services, or support in reestablishing ties with the community. The AVRR process ensures that every stage, from pre-departure counselling to tailored reintegration in the country of origin, respects human rights, individual needs and upholds the dignity of migrants.

Mohamed, 20 years old, told IOM staff at the airport “My cousin returned to Guinea voluntarily with IOM and encouraged me to do the same. I want to go back home, be reunited with my mother, and pursue my studies in mechanics. I thank IOM for their support and patience—special thanks to the whole support team for standing by us.” This programme is implemented in coordination with Tunisian national authorities, relevant consular representations and IOM offices in the countries of origin. It is supported by various international donors and partners, to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration, in line with international laws and standards and the Global Compact on Migration.