Italy and the European Commission have sought to step up engagement with Tunisia, promising funding if it stems emigration from its territory. The deal also provides for more illegal Tunisians to be repatriated, and for sub-Saharan African migrants in Tunisia to be sent back to their countries of origin. "This partnership with Tunisia must be a model for building new relations with our North African neighbours", Meloni said last week during a visit to Tunis. Federica Infantino, researcher at the Migration Policy Centre of the European University Institute, said a new deal with Tunisia would change little. - 'Crime scene' -Human rights groups and charities that rescue migrants attempting the dangerous Mediterranean crossing are furious about the deal.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 23, 2023 13:23 UTC