Tunisia Monitors the Situation of Its Expatriates in the Gulf and the Middle East
The Tunisian government is closely tracking the situation of the Tunisian community living in the Gulf countries and the broader Middle East, a population estimated at more than 150,000 people. The majority of these nationals reside in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Key Statements from Ambassador Salaheddine Salhi
On Monday, 9 March 2026, Ambassador Salaheddine Salhi—Director General of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—appeared on the radio program “Yadh’hath fi Tounes” on the National Radio. He outlined the measures Tunisia has taken to support its citizens abroad:
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Crisis Cell Activation | A dedicated crisis cell was set up as soon as the crisis began, both at the central administration and in the consulates and diplomatic missions across the region. |
| Urgent Requests Handled | The cell is already processing urgent requests, especially those related to facilitating land transit to Saudi Arabia. |
| Call for Registration | Tunisians living in the Gulf are urged to register or update their information with the nearest consulates and embassies. |
| Purpose of Registration | Accurate data enables Tunisian authorities to respond quickly in emergencies and provide better assistance to their nationals. |
| Current Demand | So far, 106 requests have been recorded, mainly from Tunisians in Bahrain and the UAE who wish to cross the land border into Saudi Arabia. |
| Visa Facilitation for Residents | Residents typically hold a residence visa, which simplifies obtaining an entry visa to Saudi Arabia through a dedicated digital platform. |
| Procedure for Non‑Residents | Non‑residents must submit a request to the Tunisian embassy, which will forward it to Saudi authorities for review. |
| Coordinated State Effort | All Tunisian state structures are working in close coordination to anticipate every possible scenario and to prepare contingency plans should the regional situation evolve. |
What This Means for Tunisian Expatriates
- Stay Updated: Ensure your personal details are current in the consular database.
- Use Digital Channels: Residents can apply for Saudi entry visas via the online platform linked to their residence permits.
- Seek Assistance Early: Non‑residents should contact the nearest Tunisian embassy promptly to begin the visa request process.
The Tunisian government’s proactive stance aims to protect its citizens, streamline cross‑border movements, and maintain readiness for any developments in the Gulf and Middle East region.
