Today, as the world marks International Migrants Day, the European Union's latest immigration clampdown is in the spotlight. With proposed offshore return hubs1 detention centers outside EU borders for rejected asylum seekers1 tens of thousands of people are now trapped in transit countries, unable to reach Europe.
Tunisia has emerged as a focal point in North Africa, hosting migrants who hoped to continue their journey. Stranded in legal limbo, many face uncertain futures, limited access to basic services, and mounting psychological stress. Local communities and aid organizations warn that the situation is becoming increasingly untenable.
Experts believe the EU's strategy, particularly championed by Italy since the end of 2022, has successfully reduced arrivals on Europe's northern shores1 but transferred the burden to Tunisia. "What is happening to migrants in Tunisia today reflects a strategy that the European Union, especially Italy, has worked hard on since the end of 2022," says Romdhane Ben Amor of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights.
Critics argue that establishing return hubs outside the EU could exacerbate humanitarian and legal concerns: migrants may be held without clear legal protections, local resources could be stretched thin, and accountability mechanisms might be weakened. As policymakers debate the next steps, advocates call for safe, fair, and transparent asylum processes that respect human rights1 on this International Migrants Day and beyond.
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EU migration clampdown traps asylum seekers in transit countries
cgtn.com
