EU-IOM Joint Initiative

for Migrant Protection and Reintegration

Tunis, Tunisia – Across Tunisia, the impact of COVID-19 for migrants has been multifaceted, with deep health and socio-economic consequences. The diversity of migrant profiles throughout the country has created a range of needs that require a flexible and adaptive response. While many migrants have witnessed significant income reductions, some have re-evaluated their mobility intentions as they confront the effects of the pandemic, while others have found themselves separated from loved ones.

Aya*, a young woman from Mali, was one such individual. After a tragic shipwreck off the Tunisian coast while attempting to migrate to Europe, Aya found herself alone in Tunisia with rapidly dwindling resources.

“This incident made me rethink my life choices and reflect on new ways to rebuild my life”, she reflected, while talking about the event. 

A combination of travel restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19, and decreasing employment opportunities, left Aya with rapidly increasing vulnerabilities and few options. To support Aya, IOM provided multi-purpose cash vouchers to purchase critical medicine and hygiene products during her time in Tunisia.

The assistance that Aya and many other migrants have benefited from was made possible thanks to the European Union funding through the EU-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration, a comprehensive programme that aims to save lives, protect and assist migrants along key migration routes in Africa. The programme was launched in December 2016 with funding from the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF).

Aya’s story is not unique. It speaks of the untold stories of 775 migrants rescued at sea, that have been assisted by IOM in different Tunisian governorates. Since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Tunisia in February 2020, IOM has been proactive in responding to the unique and exacerbated vulnerabilities of migrants and their hosting communities, playing a leading role in ensuring the inclusion of migrants in Tunisia’s national COVID-19 response.

“We have always been on alert to provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable migrants while reinforcing the capacity of local authorities”, explains an IOM staff member.

Illustrating the diverse range of needs experienced by migrants, Mariam’s* story illustrates the difficulties faced by migrant families due to COVID-19. Mariam, an Ivorian migrant who arrived in Tunisia in 2018, explains that before the pandemic, she worked happily with her husband in a coffee shop in Tunisia, raising her new-born baby. However, since the pandemic, Mariam has struggled to find a stable income.

“I am now having difficulties in supporting my family … the expenses have become higher, especially after the baby,” she said. To alleviate the additional pressure experienced by Mariam, IOM provided her with health assistance throughout her pregnancy. This included family planning vouchers to alleviate many of the most pressing issues she faced during her pregnancy.

IOM has also facilitated family reunification in a context where border closures have sometimes resulted in the separation of children from their parents. Recently, two children of seven (7) and twelve (12), who were temporarily living with relatives in Tunisia, were reunited with their parents after months of separation thanks to close collaboration with Tunisian Child Protection authorities and authorities from the country of origin.

Concurrently, IOM continues to assist some of the most vulnerable migrants across Tunisia, including victims of trafficking (VoT). To date, IOM has provided support to 712 VoTs through partnership with the Tunisian National Authority against Trafficking in Persons (INLTP).

To ensure a whole-of-society approach, IOM also provides support to migrant hosting communities across Tunisia. To date, IOM Tunisia has assisted more than 134 Tunisians during vouchers distribution days.

While addressing the immediate socio-economic needs of migrants and hosting communities, IOM works to better inform migrants about their rights, and the various social services available.

“I noticed that many migrants remain unaware and reluctant to seek health assistance from public hospitals. For me, sensitization and access to information and establishing new partnerships with local civil society for new outreach activities are priorities”, said one staff member.

This holistic approach has been tailored to respond to the growing needs of different migrant and hosting populations, including stranded migrants, migrants who see Tunisia as their home, VoTs and local Tunisian families. To date, IOM has assisted more than 16,400 beneficiaries in coordination with local municipalities. This includes 13,259 beneficiaries of vouchers, 1,303 beneficiaries of in-kind donation, support to 712 VoTs, 361 beneficiaries of medical assistance, 548 beneficiaries of psychological assistance and 94 legal assistance.  

* All names changed to protect individuals’ identities