The Tunisian Diaspora: More Than Just a Financial Asset
Certain parties view the Tunisian diaspora as merely a financial and economic asset, providing a significant contribution to the country's treasury and national economy through foreign currency transfers and investments in development projects. While these aspects are indeed real, they are not the only ones. These facets contribute to creating even stronger ties thanks to the emergence of mutual material interests between citizens of the same country.
Considered, rightly so, as children of the same motherland, Tunisians living abroad (TLA) have the same rights, as well as specific characteristics due to their location outside the country. This is why it is essential to provide them with the necessary encouragement whenever they wish to visit Tunisia or participate in the national economic dynamic.
However, if these aspects are evident, there are many others that are less discussed, despite being equally important for the well-being of our children abroad and for consolidating cultural and civilizational ties. These ties have a capital force in strengthening the sense of belonging to the same homeland.
In this context, the Office of Tunisians Abroad (OTA) spares no effort in maintaining vibrant relationships related to linguistic transmission, the promotion of sociocultural heritage, and other symbols of traditional characteristics, including archaeological legacy and musical, architectural, and even sports heritage.
For example, the recent friendly match played by our national football team in the French city of Lille, where tens of thousands of Tunisian citizens living in various European countries made the trip to encourage our team, resulting in a rare performance by our players against the best team in the world.
It is worth noting that the state is aware of the importance of this contribution, thanks to the multiplication of services granted to Tunisians living outside our borders, including the dissemination and promotion of Tunisian culture internationally, particularly among young generations born or raised outside the country.
Thus, with the multiplication of sociocultural centers across major European countries where the majority of the Tunisian diaspora lives, we can aspire to a better understanding of our mother tongue, our history, and our collective imagination, the ultimate goal being to anchor human, emotional, and social ties that reinforce this sense of belonging to Tunisia.
