TUNIS, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- The number of undocumented migrants crossing from Tunisia to Europe has fallen sharply to 19,245 in 2024 from 97,667 in 2023, Tunisian private radio station Mosaique FM reported on Wednesday, citing a senior security official.
"This remarkable decrease highlights the effectiveness of the measures taken to address immigration challenges and strengthen border security," the radio quoted Khaled Jrad, Central Director of the General Inspection of the National Guard and head of the Committee for Illegal Immigration, as saying.
Jrad said approximately 80,000 undocumented migrants were intercepted at sea in 2024. He also estimated that around 20,000 undocumented migrants were concentrated in the El Amra and Jebniana areas of the southeastern province of Sfax, a key departure point for boats heading towards Italy. "There are no accurate statistics on their number in the rest of the regions across the country," he added.
Tunisia, located in the central Mediterranean, is a major departure point for migrants and refugees seeking to reach Europe, often attempting the dangerous sea crossing to Italy, particularly the island of Lampedusa. ■
