Tunisian Deputy Proposes Temporary Registration Card to Facilitate Voluntary Return of Irregular Migrants
Marouane Zayane, member of the National Council of Regions and Districts representing the governorate of Ben Arous, has submitted a proposal to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad. The aim is to organise the case of irregular migrants in Tunisia through an administrative mechanism based on the creation of a “temporary registration card to facilitate voluntary return.”
Key Objectives
- Preserve state sovereignty while managing data on irregular migrants.
- Respect Tunisia’s international human‑rights commitments.
- Provide a structured, data‑driven approach to the irregular migration issue.
How the Temporary Registration Card Works
- The card is an administrative document granted to irregular migrants, allowing them to join voluntary‑return programmes to their countries of origin.
- It does not confer legal residence or asylum in Tunisia.
- Its primary function is to record biometric data (fingerprints, photograph, declared identity) and assign each holder a unique registration number.
Intended Benefits
- Create a comprehensive database to manage the irregular‑migration dossier efficiently.
- Identify the current temporary place of residence (municipality/governorate).
- Link family members’ files (spouse and children) to ensure family‑repatriation and avoid family dispersion.
- Demonstrate the individual’s commitment to the voluntary‑return process.
- Facilitate coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) voluntary‑return programmes.
According to the proposal’s author, this mechanism will shift Tunisia from a reactive, crisis‑driven approach to an institutional, data‑based management system. It will give priority to migrants for internationally‑supported voluntary‑return programmes, simplify travel procedures to their home countries, and guarantee reintegration assistance (AVRR) to help them launch new projects.
Implementation Plan
- Diplomatic and administrative activation: strengthen cooperation with the embassies of migrants’ countries of origin so that the “card” is accepted as a preliminary identity document.
- Mobile consulates: issue travel permits within 72 hours.
- Secure IT system: connect registration centres in targeted delegations with central directorates and foreign embassies.
International Support & Civil‑Society Role
The project seeks international backing, especially from the European Union and other international organisations, to fund the logistics of registration and the organisation of voluntary departures.
- Civil society will play a crucial role in mediation, awareness‑raising, and translation services.
Source: Statement to TAP by Deputy Marouane Zayane.
