Tunisian Parliament debates stricter nationality law, including longer residency and tougher naturalization
via Business News2 min read
On Thursday, May 7, 2026, the Committee on Rights and Freedoms in the Assembly of People's Representatives began discussions on bill n°17/2026, which proposes significant revisions to the Tunisian Nationality Code. The proposed changes aim to tighten conditions for acquiring Tunisian nationality, including stricter naturalization processes and new criteria related to parentage. The committee president, Thabet El Abed, emphasized that while nationality is central to national sovereignty, it must align with constitutional principles, respect for rights and freedoms, and avoid creating statelessness. The bill's proponents argue that the current legislation needs updating to address contemporary challenges such as migration, identity, and security. Key proposals include increasing the required residency period from five to ten years for certain cases, particularly for stateless parents, with an added condition of legally established presence in Tunisia. The text also seeks to strengthen mechanisms for establishing parentage, allowing for broader scientific, technical, or investigative proof. Furthermore, it aims to more strictly regulate the automatic granting of nationality to newborns found within Tunisian territory. For foreigners seeking naturalization, the bill mandates proof of legal entry into the country and a continuous residency of at least seven years. The initiators of the text view nationality laws as strategic instruments of state sovereignty. However, during the de
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Must ReadA rally in support of the Tunisian League for Human Rights LTDH took place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in downtown Tunis. The demonstration was organized by the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women ATFD and several civil society organizations, following the suspension of the LTDH's activities. Held in front of the League's headquarters, the event also marked the LTDH's 50th anniversary. Feminist activists, human rights defenders, and representatives of civil organizations participated, chanting slogans in favor of the LTDH, freedom of expression, and associative freedoms, while rejecting what they perceive as repression against civil society organizations. Participants displayed signs advocating for respect for rights and freedoms and the preservation of democratic achievements. Organizations involved emphasized the LTDH's historical role in defending human rights in Tunisia, underscoring the symbolic importance of the mobilization. They reaffirmed their commitment to the independence of associations and the continued work of human rights and freedom organizations.
Must ReadFollowing the conviction of several figures linked to the Ennahdha movement in the passport and nationality certificate case, the Islamist party issued a statement on Thursday, May 7, 2026, condemning the "unjust judgments" and a "judicial process devoid of independence." The criminal chamber specializing in terrorism cases at the Tunis Court of First Instance had issued heavy sentences on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in this sensitive case, which involves suspicions of official documents being granted to foreign nationals allegedly linked to terrorism. Noureddine Bhiri, former Minister of Justice and an Ennahdha leader, received a twenty-year prison sentence, as did Fathi Beldi. Other defendants were sentenced to eleven years, while thirty-year sentences with immediate execution were pronounced against several fugitives, including Mouadh Ghannouchi. The court, however, temporarily removed Hamadi Jebali's name from the proceedings pending a decision from the Court of Cassation. The case dates back to 2013, amidst security tensions in Tunisia and the rise of jihadist threats. Ennahdha claims the case is politically motivated, citing Noureddine Bhiri's arrest in late December 2021, his house arrest, and a 67-day hunger strike. The party asserts that the defense team has established the case is "fabricated" and that several complaints of falsification have not been examined. Ennahdha also argues that some individuals accused of obtaining Tunisian nationality certificates did so in 19
The Bureau of the Assembly of People's Representatives ARP held a meeting on Thursday, May 7, 2026, to organize parliamentary work for the coming weeks. The meeting focused on scheduling commissions, legislative proposals, and questions for government members. However, the Bureau's communiqué, issued after the meeting chaired by Brahim Bouderbala, made no mention of the government presidency's correspondence announcing ministers' unavailability throughout May. This silence is notable given that the decision has sparked a debate in parliament since Wednesday regarding the implications of such an absence for parliamentary oversight. Several deputies had confirmed the previous day that oral question sessions and certain committee hearings would be postponed due to this exceptional government mobilization, officially linked to the preparation of the 2026-2030 development plan. While some elected officials sought to reassure about the continuity of parliamentary work, others expressed concern over what appeared to be an unusual institutional pause. The Bureau's communiqué, however, adopted a different tone, making no allusion to the controversy or the announced absence of ministers. Instead, the ARP outlined its calendar, announcing the continuation of parliamentary committee work and the examination of several legislative proposals, including texts on the status of artists, artistic professions, and the organization of certain professions. The most singular aspect of the communiq
The 21st edition of the Kia Tunis Open, an ATP Challenger 75 tournament, will take place from May 11 to 16, 2026, at the Tennis Club de Tunis. A press conference held on May 7, 2026, at the Sheraton Tunis Hotel, announced details of the event, which serves as a significant stepping stone for young Tunisian players. Attendees included Selima Ben Mustapha, President of the Tennis Club of Tunis and Tournament Director; Bassem Zouaoui, President of the Tunisian Tennis Federation; Chiraz Elloumi, President of the Organizing Committee; Riadh Annabi, General Manager of City Cars Kia; and Nabil Lakhoua, Commercial Network Director of UBCI. The tournament will feature players preparing for Grand Slam events like Roland-Garros, with notable participants including Czech Dalibor Svrčina, ranked 116th, and Tunisian Moez Echargui, ranked 140th. Twenty different nationalities will be represented, competing for a total prize fund of $107,000. The singles winner will receive $17,000 and 75 ATP points. Three wild cards for the main draw were awarded to Tunisians Skander Mansouri, Aziz Dougaz, and Aziz Ouakaa, with four more for qualifications. Chiraz Elloumi stated that the 2026 edition builds on the previous year's success, with a budget increase of 10% from 2025's 550,000 dinars, aimed at improving infrastructure and player experience. Innovations include the renovation of court number 9 to ATP standards, bringing the total of international standard courts to three. Enhanced media coverage w