About 166 Gambian migrants who are facing hardship in Tunisia have been repatriated home, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). 

The repatriation took place on Wednesday and included six women among the returnees, reports Middle East Monitor.

The IOM statement added that all returning migrants would receive a tailored reintegration programme upon their return to the Gambia.

The agency highlighted that this repatriation was made possible through the European Union Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration in North Africa (MPRR-NA) programme that was launched by the European Union in January 2023.

Tunisia has seen a significant increase in irregular migration to Europe, particularly towards the Italian coast, amid the economic and political crises in the country and other African countries, especially those south of the Sahara.

In September 2023, the European Commission announced a €127 million ($135 million) aid package for Tunisia, with a portion of the funds aimed at curbing irregular migration flows.