Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced their collaborative initiative to financially support the repatriation of migrants stranded in Tunisia. This joint effort solidifies their commitment to tackling the pressing issue of illegal migration.
The decision was unveiled after a meeting in Rome, emphasizing their dedication to address the challenges posed by the influx of migrants attempting perilous journeys to Europe.
Tens of thousands of migrants, hailing from various African nations such as Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Chad, converge on Tunisia as the starting point for their hazardous sea voyage to Europe. The Italian island of Lampedusa, merely 90 miles from the North African coast, often serves as their initial destination. The Mediterranean crossing, a route fraught with danger, has witnessed a surge in attempts since 2016, prompting the need for collaborative strategies.
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Chancellor Sunak underscored the importance of border control, asserting, “People must know that if they come to our countries illegally, they will not get to stay.” He further cautioned against allowing migration to be weaponized, driving instability and creating challenges for the nations involved.
The leaders, joined by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, also pledged to intensify efforts against human traffickers, reflecting a broader commitment to combatting the root causes of the migration crisis.