Tunisia is experiencing a growing phenomenon with more than 120,000 freelancers working remotely for international companies, which enhances financial transfers to the country. However, these digital professionals face numerous challenges, primarily high taxes and a lack of social protection.
Osama, a young Tunisian, sits in a co-working space in the capital, where he is designing a video game for a foreign company. Osama states that he prefers to stay in Tunisia, where he finds better opportunities in his field compared to competition abroad. Nevertheless, he struggles to receive his financial transfers due to taxes that can reach 20%.
Details of the Situation
The stories of remote workers in Tunisia vary, but they share a common path: working with foreign companies from within the country. Khalil Al-Majdi, a software engineer, works with an American company and expresses pride in his experience, which has improved his financial situation, despite challenges related to time zone differences and long working hours.
A study released by the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education indicates that the number of freelancers in the country is continuously increasing, but they face difficulties in dealing with the tax system, in addition to the absence of health coverage.
Background & Context
In support of this group, the Tunisian government has launched several incentive programs, including the Self-Entrepreneur system, aimed at organizing freelance work and providing tax exemptions. However, the number of participants in this system remains limited, with only 9,000 young people enrolled.
Mohamed Al-Kafi Al-Rahmani, director of the Self-Entrepreneur program, confirms that the program offers facilities in using hard currency, but it needs more support to attract more freelancers.
Impact & Consequences
Financial pressures on Tunisian youth are increasing, prompting some to consider emigration. Hamza, a software engineer working with a Belgian company, expresses concern over the tax pressure that can reach 35%, leading him to contemplate leaving the country.
These testimonies reflect a contradictory reality in Tunisia, where remote work can serve as an alternative to emigration, yet it may also become a preliminary stage for it. Some experts believe that digital migrants could become an important asset to the Tunisian economy.
Regional Significance
In a broader context, this phenomenon reflects similar challenges faced by other Arab countries, where youth seek better job opportunities amid difficult economic conditions. This trend could be an opportunity to reshape the economy in the region if properly supported.
Ultimately, emigration is no longer solely linked to geographic relocation but is also associated with the workplace and economic belonging. The phenomenon of "digital migration" in Tunisia remains open to all possibilities, necessitating reflection on how to leverage the talents working for the world.