Italy hails Libya, Tunisia for backing efforts to combat illegal migration

Rome: Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has hailed Libya and Tunisia for “supporting” Italy’s efforts to combat illegal migration.

Piantedosi attributed the decrease in the number of illegal migrants arriving in Italy by sea to a reduction in the number of departures from these countries.

The Italian official emphasized that reducing illegal departures also reduces the risk of tragedies at sea, highlighting the importance of combating human trafficking to save lives. He noted that cooperation with Libya and Tunisia includes preventing departures on land and conducting rescue and recovery operations at sea.

Piantedosi also mentioned a complex voluntary repatriation program implemented by Libya and Tunisia, which offers migrants alternative resettlement opportunities in their countries of origin. This program is carried out in collaboration with Italy and international humanitarian organizations.

The minister stressed the importance of maintaining high levels of surveillance and promoting a culture of dignity within the European Union.