Tunisia

13 May 2026

Limited access to formal employment continued to aggravate protection risks for an estimated 16,700 refugees, asylum seekers, and people in refugee-like situations up until May 2026, besides an unknown number of migrants, estimated at around 50,000 in March. Tunisia ranked among the ten worst countries for workers’ rights in the 2025 Global Rights Index, indicating that refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa, are highly exposed to economic exploitation, informal and insecure employment, and limited legal protection. Many remain stranded in Tunisia as a transit country owing to restrictive migration policies, resulting in unstable legal status and increased reliance on informal employment. These vulnerabilities are further compounded by racially motivated violence, targeted job loss, and the weak enforcement of labour and asylum protection, all of which heighten protection risks. Many migrants often engage in agricultural day labour, earning approximately USD 14–17 per day. (UNHCR accessed 13/05/2026, TBP 12/10/2025, Al Araby 21/12/2025)

28 January 2026

Heavy rainfall and flooding between 18–20 January 2026 across 15 governorates in eastern and southern Tunisia affected at least 25,000 people and killed five. The most affected governorates were Ariana, Beja, Ben Arous, Bizerte, Mahdia, Manouba, Monastir, Nabeul, Sfax, and Sousse. The floods caused widespread disruption to transport and public services, including the suspension of classes in the affected governorates, especially Monastir and Nabeul. It is estimated that 50 houses were damaged in Nabeul. About 400 people whose homes were flooded have been provided with temporary shelters. Urgent needs include healthcare, mental health, psychosocial support, WASH interventions, shelter and clothing, and food assistance, particularly ready-to-eat meals and milk for children. Humanitarian access to some isolated rural mountain communities is constrained given travel difficulties. The flooding was caused by a powerful desert low-pressure system, described as one of the strongest Tunisia has experienced since the 1970s. (IFRC 22/01/2026, GDACS accessed 28/01/2026, TRT 22/01/2026)

21 January 2026

Between 18–20 January 2026, heavy rains and flooding affected eastern Tunisia, affecting thousands of people. The impact has killed at least four people and affected 105 roads in Monastir. The flooding has also affected about 30 homes in Ariana, but the actual number is likely higher. Education has been suspended in more than half of Tunisia’s schools. The inundation of roads and suspension of transportation are likely restricting access to some areas. (ECHO 21/01/2026, TN 20/01/2026, Africanews 21/01/2026)

28 May 2025

Until 31 March 2025, Tunisia was hosting around 10,700 registered refugees and an unknown number of migrants, although authorities estimate an additional 20,000 undocumented migrants in Sfax city. The lack of documentation among migrants, especially those from sub-Saharan countries, is restricting their movement and access to services. The Government has imposed restrictions preventing them from receiving foreign currency transfers or working since July 2023, leaving them reliant on informal aid. Such restrictions also force them to live in makeshift camps without the money necessary to access basic services. Besides economic restrictions, arbitrary arrests and forced displacement to border areas where there are no services available put their lives in danger. Access to services, including shelter, healthcare, asylum procedures, and legal aid, is disrupted as humanitarian organisations continue to face a government crackdown since May 2024 that includes the arrest of some NGO workers providing assistance to sub-Saharan migrants. (IM 02/05/2025, AI 07/05/2025, Le Monde 08/04/2025)

26 March 2025

An estimated 600 refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers have been stranded in isolated areas on Tunisia’s western borders, likely in the vicinity of Haidra and Djebel Ghorra, since at least 17 March 2025. They were rescued from a boat in the Mediterranean Sea on 16–17 March while trying to reach Italy and then taken to Sfax before being forcibly displaced to remote areas. Security forces have confiscated their personal belongings, including water and telephones. They urgently need protection, food, water, and medical services. Expelling migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers to remote areas without access to services has become a trend in Tunisia since at least February 2023, following President Kais Saied’s crackdown on the demographic. Agreements with the EU to manage migration flows have also contributed to worsening the situation. Since then, an unknown number of migrants have died in remote areas near the border with Algeria. (IM 24/03/2025, AJ 22/02/2023, AI 04/10/2024)

15 January 2025

Sub-Saharan migrants continue to need medical services and shelter in Tunisia, especially as winter temperatures drop. The police are dismantling camps, forcing migrants to stay in makeshift shelters. In December 2024, two sub-Saharan migrants died from carbon monoxide poisoning near Sfax. The deaths, caused by fires lit for warmth in poorly ventilated makeshift shelters, highlight the challenges faced by migrants living in these conditions. (Info Migrants 09/01/2025, TRT 29/02/2024)

18 December 2024

Refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in Tunisia have continued to face protection risks in 2024, including forced expulsions and exploitation by smugglers. In October, Tunisia was hosting 15,600 registered refugees and asylum seekers and an unknown number of migrants, primarily from East Africa, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Most reside in Sfax city, a key transit and settlement area. Throughout 2024, authorities have continued to forcibly relocate migrants, especially those from Sub-Saharan Africa, to remote border regions, such as Ras Jedir Ajdir and near Algeria. Those relocated lose access to food, water, or shelter. Migrants also struggle to access aid, legal protection, and integration support given limited resources and a lack of coordinated assistance. Those attempting to reach Italy undertake dangerous sea crossings given strict border controls and anti-smuggling operations, heightening the risk of fatalities. By 18 December, 1,658 people were reported dead or missing throughout 2024. (Small Arms Survey 31/10/2024, UNHCR accessed 18/12/2024, IOM accessed 18/12/2024)