Italy and Tunisia have disclosed details of a memorandum understanding regarding legal migration from Tunisia for seasonal work in Italy. Both countries affirmed their aspirations for a structural partnership in agriculture and water management. They share a vision against human trafficking, yielding highly positive results.
Italy has granted Tunisia an annual quota of 4,000 non-seasonal residency cards, valid for three years, benefiting Tunisian workers in Italy. Observers believe this move could reduce the irregular migration waves to Italy, which might reach an unprecedented 100,000 legitimate migrants by year-end.
This cooperation comes amidst a visit by three Italian ministers to Tunisia. They attended the “Third Italian Mission on Food Security in the Mediterranean.” Participants included Antonio Tajani, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, and Marina Elvira Calderone, Minister of Labour and Social Policies.
Italy repeatedly stressed the need for skilled Tunisian labor. They expressed readiness to fund vocational training projects in Tunisia. Italy’s ambassador to Tunisia mentioned a potential €8 million budget from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation to support vocational training in Tunisia, aligning with European standards. This aims to facilitate the legal employment of Tunisians.
Italy is also prepared to launch a €55 million financing line for small and medium-sized enterprises, in collaboration with Tunisia’s vocational training agency.
Tunisian President Kais Saied, while receiving the Italian delegation led by Tajani, confirmed Tunisia’s commitment to its European counterparts. He highlighted the recent success of Tunisian security forces in dismantling major migrant smuggling networks and human trafficking operations.
The conclusion of the “Third Italian Mission on Food Security” in Tunisia saw announcements of various joint programs between Italy and Tunisia. Notably, there are plans for an Italian-Tunisian center in Tunisia focusing on technology transfer in major agriculture, dairy, and mechanization, as well as the valorization of treated wastewater.
