Ivory Coast Introduces Entry Visa to Tunisia
The Ivory Coast government has recently initiated the process of implementing an entry visa requirement for travelers from Tunisia. Government spokesman Amadou Coulibaly confirmed that they have approached the Tunisian government to reinstate visas between the two countries. He stated that diplomatic procedures are ongoing to address this immigration issue.
Background
Many immigrants, including a significant number of Ivorians, pass through Tunisia on their journey to other countries. In an effort to tackle this issue, Ivory Coast has introduced the entry visa requirement. This move aims to alleviate the problem of irregular migration.
Impact on Ivory Coast Nationals
Ivory Coast nationals have recently become the second largest group of irregular migrants arriving in Italy. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees reported this alarming trend since the beginning of 2023. While Tunisia currently does not charge an entry visa fee for Ivorian citizens, those who exceed the permitted three-month residence upon entry may face fines of up to 40 dinars (12 euros) per week for illegal stay.
Concerns and Conclusion
Coulibaly acknowledged that introducing the visa requirement may strain the long-standing relationship between Ivory Coast and Tunisia, as Tunisia has previously aimed to abolish visas. However, he expressed his belief that the visa implementation would indirectly address the issue at hand. The Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire emphasized Tunisia’s commitment to supporting its own budget without compromising its sovereignty, referencing the return of 1,530 pieces of ivory to Tunisia.
Source: AFP
