A new academic study has revealed that 70% of sub-Saharan African migrants currently in Tunisia have no intention of returning to their home countries and are instead seeking to reach Europe, underscoring growing tensions in the region’s migration landscape.
The research, conducted by sociologist Zouhair Ben Jannet of the University of Sfax in partnership with the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES) and the ECUMUS laboratory, draws on 379 detailed questionnaires administered in key migration hubs including Tunis, Sfax—particularly the towns of Jebeniana and El Amra—and Medenine, specifically Zarzis.
The study paints a grim portrait of life for many migrants, with the majority found to be living in precarious conditions—many without shelter and dependent on limited support from NGOs. Of the respondents, 27% were women, with 5% being mothers, while around 26% held university degrees.
The report also highlights that between 2,500 and 3,000 migrant children are currently in Tunisia, many of whom remain unregistered in the civil registry.
According to the findings, Tunisia is not a final destination but rather a compelled transit point for many migrants. The data shows that 60% of respondents entered Tunisia via Algeria and 24% through Libya.
The country has also seen mounting pressure on its border zones, partly due to mass expulsions from Algeria—estimated in some cases to involve as many as 40,000 people.
A significant concern raised in the report is the widespread mistrust among migrants toward international organizations.
Approximately 70% of those surveyed expressed skepticism or outright distrust of NGOs and UN agencies, often citing years of unmet promises and experiences of neglect during long migratory journeys.
The researchers warn that Tunisia may be on the verge of a prolonged migratory gridlock, one that could deepen existing socioeconomic challenges and test the resilience of public and humanitarian systems in the country.
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