More young Tunisians are considering emigration as unemployment, rising living costs and uncertainty about the future continue to affect their lives.
For many, leaving Tunisia is no longer simply about earning more money. It is also about finding stability, better opportunities and a place to build their future.
According to an Al Jazeera report, young people across the country are increasingly questioning whether they can achieve their personal and professional goals at home.
The concerns come as Tunisia faces persistent economic challenges, including high youth unemployment and the departure of skilled professionals.
Youth unemployment remains high in Tunisia
Unemployment continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing young Tunisians.
According to Tunisia’s National Institute of Statistics, the national unemployment rate reached 14.9% in the second quarter of 2026.
Around 622,000 people were unemployed during that period.
However, the situation was more difficult for younger people.
Unemployment among Tunisians aged 15 to 24 reached 35.4%, while the rate among university graduates stood at 26.6%.
Female university graduates faced particularly high unemployment at 35.6%, compared with 14.2% among male graduates.
These figures highlight the difficulties many young people face when entering the job market.
Two-thirds of young Tunisians have considered emigration
The desire to leave Tunisia has become widespread among younger generations.
A study by Afrobarometer found that approximately two-thirds of young Tunisians had considered emigrating.
The proportion who thought about leaving frequently increased from 38% in 2018 to 51% in 2024.
Among young people considering emigration, 59% identified better employment opportunities as their main motivation.
However, the reasons for leaving are becoming increasingly complex.
Many young Tunisians also want greater stability, improved public services and more confidence in their future.
Tunisia faces growing loss of skilled workers
The emigration trend is not limited to unemployed young people.
Tunisia is also seeing trained professionals leave the country in search of better opportunities.
According to Kamel Sahnoun, head of the Tunisian Order of Engineers, approximately 6,500 engineers left Tunisia in 2022.
By comparison, around 3,000 engineers departed annually in 2013 and 2014.
The healthcare sector has experienced similar challenges.
Figures from the Tunisian Agency for Technical Cooperation show that 1,839 healthcare and paramedical professionals were recruited to work abroad in 2023.
Another 1,022 were recruited during the first nine months of 2024, followed by 1,244 in 2025.
The departure of skilled workers raises concerns about Tunisia’s ability to retain the professionals needed for its development.
Emigration is about more than money
For some young Tunisians, financial difficulties are only part of the problem.
Maher Qassem, a media professional interviewed by Al Jazeera, said much of his income goes towards rent, loan repayments and his son’s education.
He is now considering starting a new life in France.
However, even Tunisians with stable incomes are thinking about leaving.
Hamza, a 26-year-old software engineer employed by a foreign company, said his decision involves more than financial considerations.
Despite earning a good salary, he remains concerned about his lifestyle, administrative difficulties and uncertainty about the future.
Migration researcher Ramadan Ben Omar said young people’s motivations increasingly include personal freedom, participation in public life and long-term opportunities.
As a result, emigration has become a broader life decision rather than simply a way to earn more.
Tunisians remain divided over the country’s future
Economic difficulties have also shaped public attitudes towards Tunisia’s political leadership.
Some young people say they have seen little improvement since President Kais Saied came to power in 2019.
Others continue to support the president and believe his reforms need more time.
Ghaith, a young Tunisian interviewed by Al Jazeera, said the optimism surrounding the 2019 election has not translated into meaningful improvements in his daily life.
He expressed frustration over living costs, access to essential goods and the lack of clear communication about government policies.
However, Mohamed Amine, a taxi driver in his 30s, remains supportive of Saied.
He believes the president wants to improve the country but faces obstacles in implementing reforms.
These contrasting opinions reflect wider uncertainty about Tunisia’s economic and political direction.
Can Tunisia convince its young people to stay?
The growing interest in emigration presents a long-term challenge for Tunisia.
High unemployment, rising living costs and the departure of skilled workers could affect the country’s economic development.
At the same time, young people are increasingly seeking opportunities that offer professional growth, personal stability and confidence in the future.
For some, that means looking abroad. Others remain hopeful that conditions at home will improve.
Tunisia’s challenge is not only to create more jobs but also to build an environment where young people believe they can achieve their ambitions.
Whether the country can provide those opportunities may determine how many choose to stay.