Italy will invest €20 million ($22 million) to support Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia in voluntary repatriation programs for irregular migrants, AFP reported, citing the Italian foreign ministry. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s efforts to curb migration from North Africa, the main departure point for arrivals in Italy.
The program aims to strengthen institutional and administrative capacities in partner countries and will involve 400 officials. Italy will collaborate with the International Organization for Migration to safeguard migrants' rights and facilitate the return of 3,300 vulnerable individuals. The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation will provide technical support and assist with reintegration through partnerships with businesses and civil society.
Italy already funds migration control agreements with Libya and Tunisia, though these deals face criticism for fostering abuses of mostly sub-Saharan migrants. On Wednesday, Libya suspended 10 humanitarian groups, including Doctors Without Borders, alleging they were aiding unauthorized migrant movements.
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