The migration of engineers affects Tunisia’s stability, growth rate and sustainable economic and social development in many ways, reducing its ability to ensure a successful digital, energy and environmental transition.
Mohsen Gharsi, the new dean of engineers, told Express FM on Tuesday that 40,000 engineers had left Tunisia over the past ten years.
He noted that the majority of those trained in computer science were leaving for other countries, with only 5% remaining in Tunisia.
“More than 95% of computer engineers leave Tunisia, often with a job contract as soon as they finish their studies,” he said.
He also mentioned three engineering students, aged 24, who recently won robotics awards in the Netherlands, adding that they are considering emigrating too.
The dean acknowledged the engineers’ complaints about their ‘difficult financial situation’, primarily due to the lack of updates to engineering professions while new specialties emerge annually.
He pointed out that salaries vary between the public and private sectors, with high incomes in some fields. He also noted the progress made abroad thanks to Tunisian skills.
He revealed that some engineers retire with a pension of less than 1,700 dinars and that young engineers’ salaries are even lower.
Currently, 18,000 engineers work in the civil service or public sector, often in sensitive positions.
Precariousness has psychological repercussions!
He warned that this precariousness has psychological repercussions and called on the Prime Minister to take the situation of engineers into consideration, revisit the February 2021 agreement, and approve the existing conventions.
He emphasised the importance of establishing a clear definition of the rights and duties of engineers.
He also lamented the fact that some engineers find themselves in prison as a result of complex technical errors.
He pointed out that there is a disciplinary council within the Order which acts as a first-instance judicial body.
He insisted that cases should first be dealt with by the Order’s own structures before reaching the ordinary courts, while respecting the independence of the latter.
Gharsi also referred to the continuing deterioration in conditions for engineers, stressing that “the departure of 40,000 engineers is a heavy loss for the state, equivalent to the loans that Tunisia offers to other countries.”
Every year, 8,500 engineers register with the Order
Every year, 8,500 engineers register with the Order. In order to practise, it is mandatory to have a recognised degree and official registration; otherwise, it constitutes title theft.
He also mentioned a draft organic law awaiting government approval. If this does not happen, a parliamentary group will be formed to submit the law to the Assembly of People’s Representatives.
Regarding training, he called for harmonisation between the French and English systems, noting that engineering training is subject to international standards. There are many private engineering schools alongside national schools.
In his view, students should be able to choose between the private and public sectors on an equal footing.
He drew attention to the serious issue of access to engineering schools and called for equal rights and responsibilities for all students.
Finally, he announced the creation of a permanent national office to address issues related to artificial intelligence, with the regional delegation in Tataouine taking the lead on this matter.
The dean’s term of office is three years, renewable once for a maximum total of six years.
It should be noted that the departure of engineers abroad has made it difficult to fill teaching and research positions, hindered research initiatives and increased Tunisia’s technological dependence, thereby reducing its ability to attract foreign investment.
