Britons of South Asian descent are reportedly facing difficulties when traveling to Tunisia for their summer vacations. The Foreign Office has issued a warning stating that these individuals have been subjected to extra screening or denied entry at the country’s airports, including Enfidha, one of the largest airports in Tunisia. The British Embassy has raised this issue with Tunisian authorities, but it is important to note that the embassy does not have the power to override their decisions.
The increased security measures and entry restrictions are allegedly based on security grounds. Tunisia has been witnessing a rise in racially motivated attacks since President Kais Saied’s comments earlier this year, where he accused hordes of illegal migrants of bringing violence and claimed there was a criminal plot to alter the country’s demographic makeup. Tunisia is home to around 21,000 migrants from other parts of Africa, which represents only 0.2 percent of the country’s population.
The Foreign Office’s travel advice highlights that the situation has caused distress and inconvenience for British nationals of South Asian descent. It is crucial to acknowledge and address the concerns and difficulties faced by these individuals while traveling. The British Embassy has been proactive in discussing this matter with Tunisian authorities, but ultimately, the decision to grant entry to the country lies in the hands of Tunisian immigration authorities.
These travel restrictions and challenges come in the wake of recent events in Tunisia. Last week, hundreds of Tunisians protested and blocked streets demanding the expulsion of all illegal migrants. In the city of Sfax, a violent clash occurred during a funeral procession for a Tunisian man who was stabbed to death in an altercation with suspected Cameroonian migrants. The incident left between 30 and 40 migrants, including women and children, injured.
Tunisia has been under a state of emergency since a suicide attack on a police bus in 2015. The state of emergency has been extended multiple times, with the most recent extension taking place in 2022. In 2022, President Kais Saied ratified a new constitution, followed by the reopening of the parliament in March 2023 after elections held in December 2022 and January 2023.
It is important to create awareness about this issue and ensure that travelers are well-informed before planning their trips to Tunisia. The Foreign Office’s updated travel advice serves as a reminder to exercise caution and be prepared for potential delays or denials of entry at Tunisian airports, particularly for Britons of South Asian descent. The embassy’s efforts in addressing this matter demonstrate their commitment to assisting British citizens in navigating these challenges. It is crucial for both Tunisian authorities and the international community to work together to address the underlying causes of these travel restrictions and foster inclusivity and tolerance in Tunisia.
