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Who We Are
WHO WE AREThe International Organization for Migration (IOM) is part of the United Nations System as the leading inter-governmental organization promoting since 1951 humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, with 175 member states and a presence in over 100 countries. IOM has had a presence in Belgium since 1973.
About
About
IOM Global
IOM Global
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Our Work
Our WorkAs the leading inter-governmental organization promoting since 1951 humane and orderly migration, IOM plays a key role to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through different areas of intervention that connect both humanitarian assistance and sustainable development. IOM in Belgium and Luxembourg provides a comprehensive response to the humanitarian needs of migrants, returnees and host communities.
Cross-cutting (Global)
Cross-cutting (Global)
- Data and Resources
- Take Action
- 2030 Agenda
The Tunisian labour market is currently facing significant challenges. Over 16 per cent of the population was unemployed in 2023, according to data provided by Tunisia's National Institute of Statistics. Unemployment affects younger people especially, as over 39 per cent of youth (aged 15-24) are unemployed. Sluggish economic growth and post-pandemic recovery contribute to the high youth unemployment rate, as well as a mismatch between labour market needs and educational outcomes. A quarter of higher education graduates are without a job, and, as they face difficulties in accessing the formal labour market, often end up in the informal sector, with limited opportunities for growth.
At the same time, Belgium faces a massive and structural lack of workforce in all economic sectors, according to a prospective analysis of the workforce challenges in the coming decade and the impact of digitalisation on the Belgian labour market, published by the Belgian technology sector federation Agoria in 2023. Whilst efforts are made to reactivate the domestic workforce, major workforce gaps will remain due to the aging population and the twin (green and digital) transition. Without structural changes, 541,000 posts could be left unfilled by 2030 on the Belgian labour market.
IOM's Learning Mobility Scheme (LMS) between Tunisia and Belgium connects recent Tunisian graduates with employers in Belgium, through a talent-centred ethical pathway that is driven by employers' needs and sectoral skills shortages. The objective is to create a win-win scenario, whereby talented Tunisian graduates from all domains have the opportunity to get hands-on international work experience, enhancing their employability, whilst employers in Belgium are able to address their labour market shortages and promote diversity in their workforce.
The scheme builds upon a previous internship programme between Belgium and Tunisia implemented in 2018-2019. 31 graduates were selected to fill vacancies in 12 Belgian firms, and 25 of them were employed in a local company upon their return to Tunisia, demonstrating that the interns had become more attractive for employment thanks to their international job experience. Other participants, amongst others, started their own businesses or found work in Europe. Belgian firms that hired through the programme also saw increased interest in establishing branches in Tunisia, which addressed both their needs and created new opportunities in Tunisia!
If you are interested in hiring interns through the LMS, or if you would like to know more, make sure to contact us (see details below) and check out our infosheet for employers at the bottom of the page!
- CONTACT
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Are you interested to join or do you want more information on LMS Tunisia-Belgium?
Please contact: mpetesque@iom.int