European investigations into Schengen visa fraud

The European Union investigating potential irregularities in the Schengen visa process, in particular regarding its award of such visas to nationals of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Investigators are trying to uncover a network of intermediaries with intertwined relations within the embassies and consulates of European countries in the three Maghreb countries. Media reports said that the European investigation will examine Schengen visas granted to Moroccan nationals over a period of one year to ensure the compliance with strict conditions, especially with regard to bank statements. The investigation also includes the…

Foreign tourist numbers up 24 percent in Tunisia so far in 2017

The number of foreign tourists in Tunisia has risen by 24 percent so far this year, official data showed, indicating that a vital industry crippled two years ago by Islamist attacks on holidaymakers is recovering. Tourism accounts for about 8 percent of Tunisia’s gross domestic product, provides thousands of jobs and is a key source of foreign currency, but has struggled since two deadly militant attacks in 2015. A total of 5.55 million foreign tourists visited the North African country between Jan. 1 and Oct. 10, compared with 4.49 million…

South Africa: SA Cements Relations With Tunisia

South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to building strong ties with Tunisia at a business forum hosted in Tunis on Monday. SA Ambassador to Tunisia, Harold Hoyana, South Africa has made a concerted effort to promote trade and stimulate investment between the two countries. The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) is leading a business delegation comprising 22 companies to the North African country. Monday’s forum was attended by businesspeople from South Africa and Tunisia. Hoyana said the primary goal of the forum was to encourage business-to-business interactions, which will…

Disputes in Tunis on selecting PC and Prime Minister

The first deputy head of the State Council, Mohamed Emazzeb, said that the controversial point in the Unified Drafting Committee of the Political Agreement amendment is the mechanism of selecting the members of the Presidential Council (PC) and the Prime Minister. Emazzeb told a TV channel, on Monday, that the House of Representatives (HoR) proposed to select the head of the PC and his first deputy and to let the State Council choose the second deputy of the PC. Emazzeb pointed that the State Council had suggested the new PC…