Tunisian MP Proposes Legislation to Stem Brain Drain
Fakhreddine Fadhloun, a member of parliament and chairman of the parliamentary education committee, announced on November 24, 2024, a legislative proposal aimed at reducing the exodus of Tunisian talent.
This initiative could be integrated into the 2025 finance law or take the form of an independent bill, in collaboration with concerned stakeholders, such as professional orders and relevant ministries.
The project seeks to establish a legal framework conforming to international standards, enabling Tunisia to negotiate with countries and companies benefiting from its qualified human resources.
The goal is not to restrict individual freedoms but to preserve the state's rights, which heavily invests in the training of these skills.
According to Fadhloun, the training of a doctor or engineer costs the state around 100,000 dinars per year.
However, nearly 4,000 doctors have left the country in three years, while 40,000 engineers have emigrated in five years.
This situation, exacerbated since 2011, has led to a critical shortage in hospitals and other strategic sectors. In response, agreements have even been signed to recruit foreign doctors.
While acknowledging the right of Tunisian talent to seek better opportunities, Fadhloun criticizes the lack of compensation for the country.
He calls for balanced solutions that guarantee both citizens' rights and Tunisia's interests, questioning the logic of relying on foreign labor to fill local departures.
