Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
29 July 2023 | 16:05 CAT

The deal has been described as “strategic and comprehensive” – Image: Getty Images

European Union Leaders and the Tunisian government have signed a “strategic partnership” deal to combat undocumented immigration and boost economic ties between the bloc and the North African Country.

The deal, which includes financial assistance, came as Tunisia has been under fire over its treatment of migrants since February after President Kais Saied accused “hordes” of migrants from sub-Saharan African countries of a “plot” to change the country’s demographic makeup.

“At the forefront of the migrant crisis, Tunisia is the main point of departure for thousands of migrants crossing the central Mediterranean to Europe for several reasons,” said Muhammed Krit, Journalist and photojournalist specialising in migration.

Krit explained one of the significant factors is the resistivity and low cost of immigration. In Tunisia, migrants can journey for €2000, which can exceed to €4000 from Algeria and Burke.

The EU has been struggling to cope, with 72,000 migrants leaving this year alone, mostly to Italy.

The deal, which the EU describes as “strategic and comprehensive”, also outlines a plan to boost Tunisia’s economic growth through “socio-economic reforms” and greater cooperation on a green energy transition, education, research and innovation.

The European leaders, including Italian and Dutch Prime Ministers Giorgia Meloni and Mark Rutte, who were in Tunis for the signing of the deal, described it as an “important step” to deal with migration and an agreement which would also benefit “the Tunisian people”, according to the AFP news agency.

They agreed to extend the Erasmus exchange program to Tunisia and provide €65 million in aid for 80 schools.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie.