Hidden hardship of an unnoticed workforce: The economic lives of refugees and migrants in Tunisia

Refugees’ and migrants’ skills are often under-valued due to a lack of access to the formal Tunisian labour market. Their contributions to the Tunisian economy and its development remain largely invisible and unrecognised. What are their economic situations today? In which sectors do they work and contribute to the economy? What are their specific points of vulnerability and what are possible solutions to improve their lives?

This study provides:

— An updated overview of the economic situation of refugees and migrants in Tunisia, including their access to the labour market and their contribution to the local and national economy;

— Recommendations for the Tunisian authorities (national and local), international organisations, civil society and researchers.

Download the full study in English Télécharger l’étude en français تحميل الدراسة باللغة العربية

Missed the virtual launch event? Find the recording below:

The virtual launch of the study consisted of a presentation of the key findings and a discussion, bringing together migration experts, local authorities, and migrant and refugee voices from Médenine and Tunis who shared their experiences.

Programme:

10:00 Opening by Heike Loeschmann, Director of the Heinrich Boell Foundation, Tunis office
10:10 Presentation of the main findings of the study by Jim van Moorsel, Research Officer, and Imen Aouani, Tunisia Project Coordinator, MMC North Africa
10:30 Migrant and refugee voices from Médenine and Tunis by Samual Abraham, and José Tebou, 4Mi Enumerators, MMC North Africa
10:50 Reflections from key migration stakeholders by:
Mohamed Wajdi Aydi, Lawyer and Deputy mayor of the city of Sfax
Yadh Bousselmi, Tunisia Country Representative and Regional Programme Advisor, Danish Refugee Council
11:05 Discussion among panelists
11:30 Q&A with the audience
12:00 Closing of the event