More Tunisian migrants head to Italy amid political and economic crisis

TUNIS (Reuters) – In the first eight months of 2022, the number of Tunisian migrants who landed on Italy’s coast reached 13,500, up 23% from the same period last year. Behind the scenes of Exodus.

Videos posted on social media showed the whole family embarking on a boat this summer as the number of voyages off the Tunisian coast soared as the country’s economic crisis deepened.

Ramadan Ben Omar, official of the Tunisian Economic and Social Rights Forum, said 2,600 minors, 640 women and 500 Tunisian families arrived on Italian shores by boat this year. said.

He added that about 570 people have drowned on Tunisian beaches this year.

Tunisia is in an economic and social crisis that threatens financial collapse, with inflation reaching 8.6%, the highest in 30 years.read more

“The deteriorating economic situation is no longer the only reason for the increase in illegal travel to Italy. Along with social tensions and the loss of hope among Tunisians, there is also a stifling political crisis and a decline in freedom,” said Ben. Omar said. Reuters.

Efforts to save the economy have been complicated by Tunisia’s political turmoil since President Kais Said seized most powers a year ago, closed parliament and transitioned to rule by decree.

Said said the move was necessary to end the political paralysis, giving him an expanded role in the new constitution passed in July’s referendum with a low voter turnout of 30.5%. emphasized.

Tunisian authorities have prevented more than 23,500 Tunisians from reaching Italian shores by blocking some 1,800 trips, Ben Omar said.

The Home Office was not immediately available to comment on claims that the increase in immigration was driven by the country’s political and economic situation.

Traffickers increasingly use the Mediterranean towns of Sfax, Zarzis and Mahdia in Tunisia as departure points for migrants heading to Europe by ship.

Reporting by Tarek Amara, Editing by William McLean

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