Larayedh introduces national immigration strategy

Interim Prime Minister Ali Larayedh reiterated the government\'s commitment to lending a listening ear to all members of the Tunisian community abroad and establishing a constructive and inclusive dialogue. The purpose is to create a higher council of Tunisian expatriates and develop a national strategy in the area of immigration, he added. Speaking, on Wednesday afternoon in Hammamet, at the end of the National Forum of Tunisian Expatriates, Mr. Larayedh said that strategy focuses around four major axes. The first involves the development of skills and the establishment of good governance of the immigration system by defining the criteria for planning, management and training of specialised national experts. The second axis provides for strengthening the relationship between expatriates and their homeland.  Therefore, concerned authorities in Tunisia should ensure improved living conditions for the community abroad, preserve their rights, provide them with advanced administrative and social services and strengthen their integration into the countries of residence. Regarding the third axis, it provides for further involving the community abroad in building democracy and comprehensive development. The fourth axis involves the establishment of a legislative and organisational framework suitable for immigration, asylum and residence and the development of a system to combat illegal migration and practices violating human rights. Ali Larayedh highlighted the sustained efforts made by the government to supervise organised immigration through the revision of bilateral and multilateral agreements and streamlining migration to contribute to the achievement of economic and social growth. He said that this approach will help reduce the phenomenon of illegal and non-organised migration, given their risks, calling on different sides to intensify efforts and study at all levels the cases of missing people in order to protect young people against this phenomenon.