Patterns and processes of Tunisian migration

Abstract

Patterns and processes of post-war Tunisian migration are examined in this thesis from a spatial perspective The concept of 'migration regions' proved particularly interesting in this context, highlighting the orderly character of internal migration Comparison of different taxonomic procedures for transforming interaction matrices not only illustrated the advantages and disadvantages of different clustering techniques, but also facilitated explanation of contemporary migration patterns The hypothesis of the 'mobility transition' provides an interesting yardstick against which trends in internal migration and other mobility characteristics may be measured Although the development of Tunisian migration resembles in some respects the pattern prescribed by the mobility transition hypothesis, it IS shown that it would be wrong to conclude that the evolution of Tunisian migration is a predetermined unilinear process International migration grew rapidly in importance to Tunisian job seekers in the late 1960s and early 1970s, becoming more important in some regions of Tunisia than out-migration to Tunis. Calculation of migration quotients for emigration to France and Libya shows that international movement of workers has been a highly selective process, not only with regard to migrant characteristics, but also with regard to regions of origin and destination An attempt is made to explain the changing pattern of Tunisian emigration, and to identify elements of spatial order within the evolving emigration process migration both at the internal and international scale is closely associated with migrants aspirations for occupational and social mobility. An understanding of the complex relationships between these different forms of mobility is a prerequisite to meaningful migration planning. The thesis concludes by out ling the relevance to policy formulation of spatial analysis of migration and employment which the Tunisian government might adopt for migration and manpower planning,