In an effort to streamline migration between Tunisia and Italy, the two nations ratified a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning regulated migration this Friday. The MoU was signed by Antonio Tajani, the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, alongside his Tunisian counterpart, Nabil Ammar.
The Tunisian “Nessma” channel disclosed that this accord facilitates the creation of new channels for legal migration. Consequently, about 4,000 qualified Tunisian workers are expected to gain the opportunity to live and work in Italy.
In the lead-up to the MoU’s signing, Tajani remarked, “We are endeavoring to bolster regular migration as a measure against illicit migration and human trafficking. We aim to furnish employment opportunities for individuals who are vocationally trained and wish to work, especially in the agriculture and industrial sectors in Italy.”
Latest data up to October 19 indicates that a staggering 14,837 irregular migrants from Tunisia reached Italy since the beginning of the year. This comprises approximately 10% of the total migrant influx into Italy, which stands at around 140,006 individuals from various nationalities.
It’s pertinent to mention that Tunisia has been grappling with intensified migratory pressures, primarily due to visa exemptions granted to citizens from certain Sub-Saharan African countries (like Guinea and Ivory Coast) facing migration risks. Such exemptions inadvertently promote organized crime networks in the Sub-Saharan region.
Earlier this month, Tunisia’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its stance against accommodating irregular migrants within its territories and affirmed its commitment to curbing unlawful migration phenomena. On a related note, “Nessma” reported that Nabil Ammar recently met with the British Minister of State for Immigration, Robert Jenrick, to discuss the multifaceted issue of irregular migration. Their meeting accentuated Tunisia’s consistent position: the need for a comprehensive approach towards the illegal migration challenge, one that addresses its root causes.
