Migrants / Immigrants 2025

[Heidi]

Tunisia – 200 Migrants Escape from a Train and Are Surrounded by Security Forces​

By R
| 12 mars 2025



An incident occurred today in the city of Bir Bouregba, in the Hammamet delegation. At 10:00 AM, a train coming from Sfax stopped, carrying approximately 200 people of sub-Saharan nationalities.

Many passengers got off the train and fled into residential areas, agricultural lands, and nearby valleys.

In response to this sudden development, security units from various specializations and formations launched a large-scale manhunt to track down the fugitives. Intensive patrols were deployed in the surrounding areas to maintain control of the situation and apprehend the illegal migrants, who will be referred to the competent authorities.

Tunisia – 200 Migrants Escape from a Train and Are Surrounded by Security Forces - Tunisia News

PartagezTweetezPartagez+10 Partages An incident occurred today in the city of Bir Bouregba, in the Hammamet delegation. At 10:00 AM, a train coming from Sfax stopped, carrying approximately 200 people of sub-Saharan nationalities. Many passengers got off the train and fled into residential...

news-tunisia.tunisienumerique.com

 

[Heidi]

Tunisia – Sousse : Police Prevent Illegal Sub-Saharan Camp​

By R
| 16 mars 2025



In a Facebook post published today, Youssef Toumi, Member of Parliament for the Sousse region, said that a “settlement operation” of Africans in the Izdihar neighbourhood of Zaouia Sousse, near the neighbourhood’s stadium, was thwarted by the National Security Service.

He applauded the swift intervention of the authorities, led by Sousse Governor Sofiane Tanfouri and security units, as well as the rapid response.

Tunisia – Sousse: Police Prevent Illegal Sub-Saharan Camp - Tunisia News

PartagezTweetezPartagez+10 PartagesIn a Facebook post published today, Youssef Toumi, Member of Parliament for the Sousse region, said that a “settlement operation” of Africans in the Izdihar neighbourhood of Zaouia Sousse, near the neighbourhood’s stadium, was thwarted by the National Security...

news-tunisia.tunisienumerique.com

 

[Heidi]

Tunisia – Immigration : LTDH calls for ensuring the safety of illegal immigrants and respecting their rights​

By R
| 16 mars 2025



The Tunisian League for the Defense of Human Rights (LTDH) called for a “clear and transparent national strategy” to address irregular migration flows, based on collaboration with the countries concerned and international organizations, while ensuring the country’s interests, respect for national sovereignty, and Tunisia’s human rights obligations.

In a statement, it underscored the need to develop “fair and humane” migration policies that guarantee the safety of migrants and respect their rights, while taking into account the economic and social challenges facing Tunisia, including the development of legal mechanisms to regulate migration following international human rights obligations and treaties. It furthermore called on the Tunisian authorities to adopt policies that reconcile the protection of human rights with the maintenance of economic and social stability and to coordinate efforts with civil society to address this issue, “far from any political calculations or inflammatory rhetoric,” as she put it.

The association stressed that addressing this phenomenon cannot be achieved solely through security approaches, but through comprehensive policies that respect Tunisian laws and international treaties, protect human rights and personality, and guarantee social peace.

Tunisia – Immigration: LTDH calls for ensuring the safety of illegal immigrants and respecting their rights - Tunisia News

PartagezTweetezPartagez+10 PartagesThe Tunisian League for the Defense of Human Rights (LTDH) called for a “clear and transparent national strategy” to address irregular migration flows, based on collaboration with the countries concerned and international organizations, while ensuring the...

news-tunisia.tunisienumerique.com

 

[Heidi]

National Guard : 612 Sub-Saharan Migrants Rescued and 18 Bodies Recovered​

By R
| 18 mars 2025



The General Directorate of the National Guard announced that, as part of ongoing efforts to fight illegal immigration and protect maritime borders, Coast Guard units in the Central Region successfully carried out several operations during the night of March 16-17, 2025, including rescue, assistance, and interception of attempted illegal maritime border crossings.

These operations resulted in the saving of 612 irregular migrants from sub-Saharan African countries, who were in danger of drowning after their boats ran aground at sea.

In separate operations, several crossing attempts were thwarted, and 18 bodies of people of the same nationalities were retrieved.

National Guard: 612 Sub-Saharan Migrants Rescued and 18 Bodies Recovered - Tunisia News

PartagezTweetezPartagez+10 PartagesThe General Directorate of the National Guard announced that, as part of ongoing efforts to fight illegal immigration and protect maritime borders, Coast Guard units in the Central Region successfully carried out several operations during the night of March...

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[Heidi]

UNHCR : Six Bodies Recovered, 40 Migrants Missing After Boat Sinks in the Mediterranean​

By R
| 19 mars 2025



Six migrants and refugees have died and 40 are missing after the boat they were travelling on capsized in the Mediterranean Sea, a United Nations official says.

UNHCR representative Chiara Cardoletti said on Wednesday that the inflatable dinghy had left Tunisia on Monday carrying 56 people, adding that “still too many dead in a new shipwreck in the Mediterranean”.

Italian coastguard vessels have rescued 10 people and resumed the search for other survivors, Italy’s news agency ANSA reported. It said the shipwreck took place near the island of Lampedusa.

UNHCR: Six Bodies Recovered, 40 Migrants Missing After Boat Sinks in the Mediterranean - Tunisia News

PartagezTweetezPartagez+10 PartagesSix migrants and refugees have died and 40 are missing after the boat they were travelling on capsized in the Mediterranean Sea, a United Nations official says. UNHCR representative Chiara Cardoletti said on Wednesday that the inflatable dinghy had left Tunisia...

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[Heidi]

Immigration and Visas : Canada Tightens Rules, What Future for Tunisians?


By balkis | March 19, 2025 at 8:55 PM

Stricter Selection for Newcomers

The year 2025 marks a turning point for immigration to Canada. Faced with an unprecedented housing crisis and increasing pressure on public services, Ottawa has decided to reduce the number of new permanent residents. Initially set at 465,000 in 2025, the target has been revised downward, with a cap of 365,000 by 2027.

For Tunisians, who are among the most active French-speaking communities in Canada, this reduction means increased competition to obtain the precious passport.

Quebec, which hosts a large proportion of Tunisian migrants, is also reassessing its quotas and imposing new selection criteria, particularly regarding skills and linguistic integration. Tighter Conditions for Temporary Workers

In addition to permanent residency, Canada also plans to suspend the temporary permits of approximately 1.2 million foreign workers. This measure, announced in January 2025, could impact thousands of Tunisians living and working in Canada under temporary status.

However, certain sectors remain open to foreign talent. Technology, healthcare, and skilled trades remain in high demand. Those with skills in these sectors are more likely to be selected despite the new restrictions.

Mixed Reactions in the Tunisian Community

While these measures worry many expatriates, they are also seen by some as a necessity to reorganize the reception of migrants. Canadian public opinion, particularly in Quebec, is urging the government to better regulate migration flows to avoid overloading infrastructure.

For Tunisians dreaming of Canada, the path becomes more complex. They will now have to stand out through their qualifications, language skills, and ability to integrate. This reality is pushing many young people to reevaluate their expatriate plans and explore other destinations, such as Germany or the Gulf countries.

Immigration et visas : le Canada durcit les règles, quel avenir pour les Tunisiens ? - Tunisie

Une sélection plus stricte pour les nouveaux arrivants L'année 2025 marque un tournant pour l'immigration au Canada. Face à une crise du logement sans

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[Heidi]

Call for applications to recruit young Tunisian jobseekers qualified in the construction sector for employment positions in Italy.​

By R
| 21 mars 2025



Tunis, March 19, 2025 – The THAMM Plus programme “For a comprehensive approach to migration governance and labor mobility in North African countries” aims to enhance the employability of workers and create sustainable channels for professional mobility between Tunisia and Italy.

The programme is aligned with the European Union’s (EU) Talent Partnerships approach and the Skills Mobility Partnership model, promoting regular migration channels that are mutually beneficial for countries of origin, destination and the migrants themselves.

As part of this initiative, financed by the European Union and co-financed by the Italian Ministry of the Interior, a call for applications has been launched for the second year of the programme, to fill positions in the construction sector in Italy.

This programme, implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Tunisia and its implementing partners, the non-governmental organization ELIS and the Italian Association of Building Constructors (ANCE), in collaboration with the National Agency for Employment and Self-Employment (ANETI) and the Tunisian Agency for Vocational Training (ATFP), aims to enhance the employability of young Tunisians and enable them to access sustainable jobs in Italy, while developing their professional skills. The programme also implements a systematic approach to regular migration, fostering strong cooperation between institutional partners, building their capacities and facilitating the recognition and certification of skills.

Required Skills
Young Tunisian graduates with a Certificat de compétence (CC), Certificat d’aptitude professionnelle (CAP), accredited Brevet de technicien professionnel (BTP) or a Certificat de compétence professionnelle (CCP) in the following specialties: masonry, formworker-shuttering carpenter, and hard flooring installer are encouraged to apply.

Applications are open until April 8, 2025.

Training
Selected candidates will receive training in Italian language and culture, workplace safety and additional technical training prior to their professional integration in Italy.

Further information
Watch this video, explaining the application process.

Details of how to apply and eligibility requirements can be found here.

If you have any questions or require further information about this call for applications, please contact your nearest employment office or ANETI.
For further information on the THAMM Plus project, please contact: regularpathwaystunisia@iom.int

https://news-tunisia.tunisienumeriq...ion-sector-for-employment-positions-in-italy/

Call for Applications - THAMM Plus programme​

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIHk23h1y6U

 

[Heidi]

20 Million Euros to Support Voluntary Return of 3,000 Irregular Migrants from Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya, According to Italian News Agency Nova​

By R
| 2 avril 2025



Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, alongside Deputy Minister Edmondo Cirielli, chaired the second annual meeting of the Joint Committee for Development Cooperation and the 11th full session of the National Development Cooperation Council at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.

During the meeting, a program worth 20 million euros was approved, in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration, aimed at assisting the voluntary return of approximately 3,300 vulnerable migrants from Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya to their countries of origin.

Source: Nova Italian News Agency

https://news-tunisia.tunisienumerique.com/20-million-euros-to-support-voluntary-return-of-3000-irregular-migrants-from-tunisia-algeria-and-libya-according-to-italian-news-agency-nova/

 

[Heidi]

Visas : The US Embassy in Tunis warns...



By Souleymane Loum | April 2, 2025 at 7:28 PM

The US Embassy in Tunisia issued a statement this Wednesday, April 2, to visa applicants. It recommends that they refrain from relying on intermediaries and paying additional fees...

It also warns against providing erroneous or deliberately falsified information, such as incorrect telephone numbers or email addresses, especially when booking an appointment through an intermediary.

The US Embassy specifies that it reserves the right to cancel any appointment in the event of incorrect information; it encourages applicants to provide accurate and verifiable information.

Visas : L'ambassade des USA à Tunis avertit... - Tunisie

L'ambassade des USA en Tunisie a émis un communiqué ce mercredi 2 avril en direction des demandeurs de visa. Elle leur recommande de s'abstenir de se

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[Heidi]

Tunisia – Today's Figure : 20,000 people squatted in the olive groves of Jbeniana and El Amra



By LM | April 5, 2025 at 6:39 PM

Operations to dismantle and clean up camps for irregular migrants from sub-Saharan countries spread across several areas of El Amra, such as Point 25, Point 24, and Henchir Ben Farhat, continued on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the third consecutive day, with the involvement of several parties, including regional authorities, security, the National Guard, Civil Protection, Red Crescent teams, health, and municipal authorities.

In a press statement, Brigadier General Houcemeddine Jebabli, spokesman for the General Directorate of the National Guard, indicated that the estimated number of irregular migrants from sub-Saharan countries present in Amra and Djebniana was around 20,000.

Tunisie – Le chiffre du jour : Ils étaient 20 000 à squatter les oliveraies de Jbeniana et El Amra - Tunisie

Les opérations de démantèlement et d'assainissement des camps de migrants irréguliers originaires de pays subsahariens répartis dans plusieurs zones d'El

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[Heidi]

Tunisia – Arrest of an individual involved in human trafficking and migrant smuggling



By LM | April 6, 2025 at 8:07 PM

In a press release published Sunday, April 6, 2025, the General Directorate of the National Guard announced that, as part of a qualitative security operation, patrols belonging to the central unit of the National Guard's Judicial Affairs Department in Ben Arous arrested a dangerous individual who was the subject of 35 search warrants issued by several security units and judicial authorities for his involvement in cases related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling across the western borders of the Kasserine region.

In coordination with the Public Prosecutor's Office, the necessary legal measures were authorized, and he was placed in detention, the press release added.

Tunisie – Arrestation d’un individu impliqué dans la traite des personnes et le trafic de migrants - Tunisie

Dans un communiqué publié dimanche 06 avril 2025, la direction générale de la Garde nationale a indiqué que, dans le cadre d'une opération de sécurité

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[Heidi]

Tunisia – Sfax : One dead and many injured in a fight between sub-Saharan migrants



By LM | April 9, 2025 at 9:09 PM

Sfax MP Tarek Al-Mahdi confirmed on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, that one person was killed and several others injured in a bloody battle in which various bladed weapons were used between tribal groups of irregular migrants from sub-Saharan Africa in the town of Al Amra, in the Sfax governorate.

The MP added, in a video clip broadcast live on his official Facebook page, that medical teams had arrived at the scene to treat the wounded and transfer critical cases to hospitals in the area.

He called for the need to convene a committee, including the Red Crescent, international organizations, and parties involved in the expulsion of irregular migrants, to examine the issue.

Tunisie – Sfax : Un mort et de nombreux blessés dans une bagarre entre migrants subsahariens - Tunisie

Le député de Sfax, Tarek Al-Mahdi, a confirmé, mercredi 9 avril 2025, qu'une personne a été tuée et plusieurs autres blessées lors d'une bataille

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[Heidi]

US Visa : Check your confirmation number to avoid cancellations


By D. | April 12, 2025 at 11:15 AM

Starting May 1, 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia will implement a new measure to combat fraud in visa appointment scheduling.

From now on, the confirmation number on the appointment must match the confirmation number on the applicant's DS-160 form.

This strict verification is intended to prevent any attempts at scheduling slots and reduce the risk of appointment cancellations due to data inconsistencies.

Visa USA: Vérifiez votre numéro de confirmation pour éviter toute annulation - Tunisie

À partir du 1er mai 2025, l’ambassade des États-Unis en Tunisie appliquera une nouvelle mesure visant à lutter contre la fraude dans la prise de

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[Heidi]

Tunisia – Italy repatriates 142 Tunisians in an irregular situation



By LM | April 19, 2025 at 6:38 PM

The Italian Minister of the Interior announced the success of a new repatriation operation for 142 Tunisian citizens in an irregular situation, as part of the Assisted Voluntary Return program.

"These operations represent an important step towards balance in migration management, as we work diligently to ensure respect for migrants' rights while simultaneously addressing the challenges posed by irregular migration," the Minister stated in a Twitter post.

The Minister explained that this operation is part of Italy's ongoing commitment to supporting Assisted Voluntary Return programs, which allow migrants to return to their countries of origin safely and voluntarily, while providing them with the necessary support to reintegrate into their communities.

Tunisie – L’Italie rapatrie 142 tunisiens en situation irrégulière - Tunisie

Le ministre italien de l'Intérieur a annoncé le succès d'une nouvelle opération de rapatriement de 142 citoyens tunisiens en situation irrégulière, dans

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[Heidi]

Tunisia – Arrest of six minors who entered the port in an attempt to cross the border illegally



By LM | April 20, 2025 at 8:29 PM

As part of the fight against illegal border crossings around the port of La Goulette, security forces arrested 15 people, including six minors, and seized a plastic rope, according to a press release issued by the General Directorate of National Security on Sunday, April 20, 2025.

After consulting with the Public Prosecutor's Office, the latter authorized the referral of the minors to the Sub-Directorate of Social Protection and the issuance of official reports against the others for attempting to enter the port without authorization in order to cross the border illegally.

Tunisie – Arrestation de six mineurs qui se sont introduits dans le port pour tenter de franchir les frontières illégalement - Tunisie

Dans le cadre de la lutte contre le phénomène des franchissements illégaux des frontières autour du port de La Goulette, les forces de sécurité ont

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[Heidi]

Tunisia – Irregular Sub-Saharan Migrants: Jebabli Provides Update on the Situation in Al Amra


By LM | April 19, 2025 at 9:35 PM

The official spokesperson for the National Guard, Houcemeddine Jebabli, stated: "The situation in the Amra area of Sfax Governorate is under the control of the security forces, and there is no room for a return to chaos and the establishment of informal camps." He explained that the various camps that have been dismantled, which housed more than 7,000 irregular migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, are "in a normal state," and that the dismantling of these camps is still underway by various branches of the Ministry of the Interior.

In a statement to Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) on the sidelines of a press briefing held Saturday at the National Guard headquarters in Laouina, Jebabli explained that hundreds of illegal immigrants were arrested after the seizure of sharp tools and solid materials intended to attack security forces.

He confirmed that another group of these irregular migrants contacted international organizations involved in migration, both in Sfax and Tunis, and asked to register for voluntary return to their countries of origin, following the campaign that began on April 4. He indicated that the return of more than 160 people to their countries of origin had been secured and that the process was still underway by various branches of the Ministry of Interior in coordination with state agencies. He indicated that various agencies of the Ministry of Interior and security forces, including the National Guard, National Security, and Civil Protection, carried out a decontamination operation in the camps, supported by public health officials and the Tunisian Red Crescent, after the environmental situation became a threat to residents and the health situation became alarming, according to him.

He indicated that the removal of the camps was carried out under legal cover, and that health care was provided by the Ministry of Health in Sfax, for the benefit of vulnerable groups among these irregular African migrants, such as pregnant women and children.

Tunisie – Subsahariens irréguliers : Jebabli fait le point sur la situation à Al Amra - Tunisie

Le porte-parole officiel de la Garde nationale, Houcemeddine Jebabli, a déclaré : « La situation dans la zone d'Amra du gouvernorat de Sfax est sous le

www.tunisienumerique.com

 

[Heidi]

Tunisia – Djerba : The sea washes up four decomposed corpses



By LM | April 22, 2025 at 10:39 PM

The sea washed up the decomposed corpses of four people suspected of participating in illegal immigration onto the beaches of Djerba Island today.

The bodies were taken to Sadek Mokadem Hospital in Djerba, according to hospital director Salem Issa in Assarih.

Meanwhile, a security source confirmed that the bodies were unidentified and severely damaged, suggesting they could belong to individuals involved in an illegal immigration operation.

Tunisie – Djerba : La mer rejette quatre cadavres décomposés - Tunisie

La mer a rejeté aujourd'hui sur les plages de l'île de Djerba, les cadavres décomposés de quatre personnes soupçonnées d'avoir participé à une migration

www.tunisienumerique.com

 

[Heidi]

Dismantling underway in El Amra : A camp housing 2,500 irregular migrants is being evacuated

View: https://youtu.be/f69mKMD4hbg


By D. | April 24, 2025 at 9:35 AM

Tunisian authorities are currently in the midst of dismantling a large irregular migrant camp located in Henchir El Karkni, in the El Amra delegation, Sfax governorate.

According to information gathered on the ground by the Tunisie Numérique correspondent, security units from the National Police, the National Guard, the Scouts, and civil protection forces are being deployed in large numbers to supervise the operation. Almost all specialized security forces are represented.

The site, which housed approximately 2,500 irregular migrants, mostly from sub-Saharan African countries, is currently undergoing a gradual dismantling of tents and makeshift structures.

The operation is underway, and logistical reinforcements have been mobilized to ensure the humanitarian movement of the people concerned.

Démantèlement en cours à El Amra: Un camp qui abrite 2 500 migrants irréguliers en cours d’évacuation [ [Vidéo] - Tunisie

Les autorités tunisiennes sont actuellement en pleine opération de démantèlement d’un important camp de migrants irréguliers situé à Henchir El Karkni,

www.tunisienumerique.com

 

[Heidi]

Studying in the United States? Prepare Your Facebook and Instagram Profiles ​

By Yassine Atoui

19 June 2025

The U.S. authorities announced on Wednesday a new directive that requires foreign students wishing to pursue their studies in the United States to make their social media profiles accessible to the public.
The stated goal: to allow consular services to detect potential anti-American content.

This measure, revealed by a senior official from the State Department under the condition of anonymity, involves a thorough review of personal posts. Consular officers will conduct a meticulous check of candidates’ social media accounts as part of what the U.S. administration refers to as “enhanced vetting.”

Public Profiles Required for Review

Visa applicants will be required to adjust their privacy settings to make their accounts fully public. The aim is to ensure that applicants do not express hostility toward the United States, its culture, or its institutions. This directive follows a presidential decree signed by Donald Trump in January, which called for strengthened vetting of foreign nationals.

Since this directive, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has suspended the scheduling of student visa appointments at all U.S. diplomatic missions abroad, pending the implementation of this new protocol.

Political Criticism and Scrutiny of Anti-Semitism

In April, the Department of Homeland Security had already stated that student visa applications would now be reviewed for any “anti-Semitic activity,” particularly in the context of student protests critical of the Israeli offensive on Gaza. Several visas have been revoked for students who participated in these movements on U.S. campuses.

Additionally, Harvard University came under scrutiny by the Trump administration, which attempted to prevent it from admitting foreign students.

Impact on U.S. University Attractiveness

U.S. universities, which host hundreds of thousands of international students annually, especially from China and India, may see their attractiveness diminished by these new restrictions.

For over a decade, U.S. authorities have already been reviewing the social media of green card or immigration applicants, but this new measure explicitly extends to the foreign student population.

Note: These announcements come at a time when international tensions, particularly surrounding the Middle East conflict, are strongly influencing U.S. immigration policy.

Several NGOs are condemning a shift toward generalized political surveillance.

Studying in the United States? Prepare Your Facebook and Instagram Profiles - Tunisie

The U.S. authorities announced on Wednesday a new directive that requires foreign students wishing to pursue their studies in the United States to make their social media profiles accessible to the public. The stated goal: to allow consular services to detect potential anti-American content...

news-tunisia.tunisienumerique.com

 

[Heidi]

France : Marriage with Undocumented Foreigners Soon to Be Banned​

By L M

18 June 2025

On Monday, June 16, 2025, the National Assembly voted in committee on a bill banning marriage with an undocumented foreigner. Supported by the right and part of the presidential majority, the bill is criticized by the left as xenophobic, liberticidal, and unconstitutional.

The Élysée Palace is calling it a “common-sense debate,” but members of parliament are warning of a likely censure by the Constitutional Council.
The bill will be debated in plenary session of the assembly on June 26.

France: Marriage with Undocumented Foreigners Soon to Be Banned - Tunisie

On Monday, June 16, 2025, the National Assembly voted in committee on a bill banning marriage with an undocumented foreigner. Supported by the right and part of the presidential majority, the bill is criticized by the left as xenophobic, liberticidal, and unconstitutional. The Élysée Palace is...

news-tunisia.tunisienumerique.com