France Opens Doors to Tunisian Workforce
Thousands of Contracts and a Promise of Return
The French government has announced a new program to welcome Tunisian workers in various sectors, including agriculture, transportation, and hospitality. This initiative is part of the second phase of the THAMM+ program, a European-funded project that aims to organize legal and mutually beneficial migration.
Key Sectors
The targeted sectors correspond to the current labor market tensions in France:
- Agriculture
- Industry
- Transportation
- Personal assistance
- Hospitality
These domains are experiencing a documented shortage of workers, and Tunisian candidates could quickly find their place.
About THAMM+
The THAMM+ program is funded by the European Union and piloted by the International Labor Organization (ILO). Tunisia is not the only country participating in this program, as Morocco and Egypt are also involved. The objective is to organize a legal, framed, and mutually beneficial migration.
First Phase Results
The first phase of the program (2022-2025) has produced concrete results:
- 500 work contracts signed in France
- Over 1,000 people trained
Second Phase Ambitions
For the second phase, the ambitions are higher:
- More beneficiaries
- New sectors
- Simplified procedures thanks to digitalization
Tunisia: A Key Migration Partner
Tunisia remains one of France's main migration partners. In 2025:
- 116,000 visas were issued
- 20,000 residence permits were granted to Tunisians
This announcement is significant in a country where youth unemployment exceeds 40%. Nearly 2,500 Tunisian workers are expected to join France by 2029, as confirmed by Didier Leschi, Director General of the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII).