Tunisia has become an essential crossroads for Sub-Saharan migrants seeking to reach Europe. In **2024**, more than **23,000** Sub-Saharan migrants were intercepted at sea by Tunisian authorities, representing a **30% increase** compared to the previous year.
### **Key Figures**
* **Maritime Crossings:** More than **15,000** attempted clandestine departures toward Italy were recorded in 2024.
* **Shipwrecks:** Approximately **2,500** deaths or disappearances were reported in the Central Mediterranean in 2023, according to the IOM.
* **Migrants in Tunisia:** It is estimated that **70,000** Sub-Saharan migrants are living in Tunisia, the majority of whom are in an irregular administrative situation.
### **Issues and Challenges**
* **Living Conditions:** Precariousness, exploitation, and discrimination affect a large portion of the migrant population in Tunisia.
* **Smuggling Networks:** Traffickers exploit the vulnerability of migrants, organizing dangerous crossings for fees ranging from **1,500 to 3,000 USD**.
* **International Cooperation:** The European Union supported Tunisia with a budget of **105 million euros** in 2023 to strengthen border controls.
Local and international NGOs are demanding **better protection for migrant rights** and an increased crackdown on human smugglers. Many stakeholders also emphasize the importance of raising awareness among the Tunisian public regarding the challenges and human realities of immigration.
