Daijiworld Media Network – Tunis

Tunis, Apr 7: Tunisian President Kais Saied has categorically denied signing any agreements during his presidency that allow European countries to deport Tunisian nationals residing illegally in their territories.

Speaking at a ceremony commemorating the 25th death anniversary of Tunisia's first president, Habib Bourguiba, in Monastir on Sunday, President Saied clarified that all deportation-related agreements with European nations were concluded prior to his election in 2019.

"There have been no such agreements under my presidency," Saied said, in an address broadcast by local radio station Mosaique FM. His remarks come amid growing scrutiny over Tunisia’s handling of undocumented migrants, particularly in the southeastern province of Sfax.

The President also addressed the recent dismantling of migrant camps in the El Amra and Jebniana areas of Sfax, saying Tunisia had acted on humanitarian grounds. "We thwarted a plan to resettle undocumented migrants in these areas. Our evacuation was peaceful, without the use of force, firearms, or tear gas," Saied asserted. "All migrants were treated with dignity and respect."

According to the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), a bilateral agreement was signed on January 27, 2009, between Tunisia and Italy. The deal allowed for the progressive deportation of undocumented Tunisians in groups, and for the readmission of third-country nationals who transited through Tunisia.

This agreement was reportedly expanded in April 2011 and led to a consistent increase in deportations from 40 migrants per week to as many as 160, with current numbers unconfirmed.

President Saied’s firm denial comes amid rising domestic and international attention on Tunisia’s immigration policies and its relationship with Europe regarding border security and deportation protocols.