Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Omar Al-Barzanji said in a press release to local media on Sunday, October 6, 2024, that approximately 100 Iraqi citizens are being held in Tunisian detention centres on charges linked to fraud and drug use.
Al-Barzanji reported that some of those imprisoned have been released, emphasising the “significant efforts” made by the Iraqi embassy in Tunisia to secure their release and facilitate their return home.
He also clarified that Tunisia’s decision to lift visa requirements for Iraqi citizens for stays of up to 15 days has been exploited by criminal networks for human trafficking and organizing illegal maritime crossings from Tunisia to European shores.
In another context, Al-Barzanji noted that 16 Iraqis, including Tunisians, were jailed a few weeks ago, with three of them being minors (under 18 years old). Thirteen have been released, and the remaining detainees were anticipated to be freed yesterday or the day before. He added that those released must purchase their return tickets at their own expense.
The Deputy Foreign Minister explained that the detainment of Iraqi citizens in Tunisia is not solely linked to immigration issues, but also includes cases of fraud and drug-related offences, which are separate from those who illegally crossed the country’s borders with the intent to migrate.