The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) facilitated on Thursday the voluntary return of 168 stranded migrants in Tunisia to their country of origin of Burkina Faso. "This is the biggest chartered voluntary return from Tunisia in a single day since the establishment of the Organisation's operations in the country in 2001," the IOM said in a press release issued Friday. Migrants from Burkina Faso are among the top five nationalities that the organisation has registered in November and December 2023 in the region of Sfax. "Upon return, all migrants will be provided with tailored reintegration assistance, which includes economic, social, and psychosocial services," reads the press release. The IOM further indicated that the Government of Tunisia is a key partner in ensuring safe access to stranded migrants and facilitating the organisation's reach in Sfax localities. "IOM supports the Government by promoting safe and dignified voluntary return and reintegration, in close coordination with the regi onal authorities in the Tataouine, Medenine, and Sfax Governorates, and in partnership with the Tunisian Red Crescent." In December 2023, two return charter flights carried 284 Gambian migrants stranded in Tunisia back home. Over the past five years, IOM in Tunisia has assisted over 5,000 migrants to voluntarily return home, in close coordination with the IOM offices in countries of origin and the respective regional offices. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse