Tunisia is the country where most African migrants try to reach Europe by boat across the Mediterranean. Most of the people come from countries south of the Sahara.
Earlier this week, the EU countries announced that they had agreed on a settlement on asylum and migration. Part of the proposal is about expanding cooperation with countries such as Tunisia with the aim of being able to send back migrants regardless of nationality.
Now there is concern in Tunisia, which is in an economic crisis, about what such a proposal could lead to.
– We have an economic and financial crisis that could worsen if the migrants return. The problem becomes bigger then, says the Tunisian Moncef Ben Amor.
“No clear solutions”
He is supported by Hajer Hedri.
– The problem is getting bigger and the crisis is getting worse. The whole situation becomes more complicated than the situation that prevails now. If our migrants in Europe return here, it will be a big deal. How should we deal with it? There are no clear solutions yet, she says.
Across the sea, Italy has become a key country for migrants seeking to reach Europe. There, too, there are divided opinions about the migration pact. Fabio believes that European cooperation is required to resolve the situation.
– We cannot let people drown, but the whole of Europe must help each other, he says.