Tunisia faces a significant emigration challenge among its youth population, driven by factors extending well beyond economic considerations. Young people cite mounting financial pressures, limited employment opportunities, and concerns about quality of life and future stability as key reasons for contemplating leaving the country. This phenomenon occurs seven years into President Kais Saied’s administration, with the population divided on whether his tenure has delivered meaningful improvements.
Unemployment remains a critical issue within Tunisia. Data from the National Institute of Statistics indicated that the overall unemployment rate stood at 14.9 percent in the second quarter of 2026, with approximately 622,000 people without work. The situation is more acute among younger demographics, with unemployment reaching 35.4 percent for those aged 15 to 24 and 26.6 percent among university graduates. Female university graduates experienced particularly high joblessness at 35.6 percent, compared with 14.2 percent for their male counterparts.
Research from Afrobarometer, an independent African research organization, revealed that approximately two-thirds of young Tunisians had considered emigration. The proportion reporting they thought about leaving “a lot” increased from 38 percent in 2018 to 51 percent in 2024. Among those contemplating departure, 59 percent identified better job opportunities as their primary motivation. Tunisia is also experiencing significant outflows of skilled professionals. Engineering departures increased substantially, with approximately 6,500 engineers leaving in 2022 alone compared to an annual average of about 3,000 in 2013 and 2014. Healthcare professionals have similarly emigrated in considerable numbers.
Migration motivations have evolved beyond purely financial concerns, according to researchers. Young Tunisians increasingly cite desires for greater personal freedom, opportunities for civic participation, and the ability to build secure futures as factors influencing their decisions. Border regions have experienced heightened migration pressures due to accumulated economic and social strain. The country now confronts a fundamental question regarding whether it can provide sufficient incentives for its young population to remain and contribute to its development.
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