Tunisians reach Italian shores in ever larger numbers
Though overall arrivals in Italy from North Africa are down, undocumented immigrants from Tunisia have spiked in recent months as Tunisians flee a lack of opportunities in their home country.
Residents of the Tunisian coastal city of Kelibia often swell with pride when telling visitors how they can see Italy from their homes on a clear summer day. But beyond offering a pleasant view, the close proximity of Europe has tempted the young to emigrate clandestinely to start new lives on another continent.
“Tunisia is finished,” said Omar Aydi, 25, who traveled by boat from Tunisia to Italy despite not having a job lined up. Aydi, who spoke to Al-Monitor via social media, now lives with a friend in Milan and is still searching for work.
This clandestine migration between Tunisia and Italy has spiked in recent months. Overall arrivals in Italy from North Africa are down, but Tunisians, many of them fed up with the lack of opportunities in their home country, are traveling to Europe at higher-than-usual rates.
Migration analysts Al-Monitor spoke with question such a large rise in the number of Tunisians landing in Italy. Some speculate that Tunisia is hoping for a migration deal with Italy in order to garner financial benefits, similar to the one struck between Libya and Italy. Others believe Tunisia’s economic stagnation has led Tunisians to seek opportunities elsewhere.
