The Face of the Tunisian Diaspora is Changing, and the Administration is Adapting
The Tunisian diaspora is undergoing a significant transformation, and the government is adapting to meet the evolving needs of its citizens abroad. Helmi Tlili, the Director General in charge of managing the Office of Tunisians Abroad (OTE), has provided a strategic overview of the Tunisian presence worldwide and the new support mechanisms put in place.
Near-Universal Coverage Despite New Frontiers
According to the latest figures provided by the responsible official, the Tunisian community living abroad now exceeds 1.8 million people. While the Office boasts a coverage rate of its services approaching 90%, the responsible acknowledges the emergence of new geographical challenges. Certain destinations, such as the Middle East, North America, and several sub-Saharan African countries, do not yet have a physical presence of the Office.
Artificial Intelligence at the Service of Expatriates
To address these distances, the OTE is undergoing a radical transformation of its operational mode. "The contact with our fellow citizens no longer depends solely on our physical presence," stated Mr. Tlili. The focus is now on digitalization to reduce the distance between the administration and the diaspora.
A cutting-edge digital platform, integrating artificial intelligence technologies, has been launched. This tool enables Tunisians worldwide to access up-to-date information on investment opportunities in Tunisia and receive personalized responses to their queries. In parallel, the Office's website has been transformed into a global portal, facilitating access to services for residents abroad and investors alike.
A Pillar of the National Economy: 9 Billion Dinars in Transfers
The economic impact of the diaspora has never been more crucial. Helmi Tlili revealed that the transfers of funds from Tunisians abroad have reached a record level, approaching 9 billion dinars.
This financial influx represents approximately 7% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Director General emphasized that the Central Bank of Tunisia now considers these flows as a fundamental and structural source of foreign exchange savings, confirming the role of the diaspora as a vital economic lung of the nation.
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