A new legislative offensive is underway in the Tunisian Parliament. At the end of February 2026, several dozen members of parliament (increasing their number from 16 to 36 signatories) submitted a bill aimed at a thorough reform of the Nationality Code. Sponsored by MP Syrine Mrabet , this text has a clear objective: to tighten the conditions for obtaining citizenship in order to curb irregular immigration.

The main tightening measures under consideration

The bill introduces much stricter administrative and time-related safeguards:

1. Entry and residence conditions: Naturalization would now be strictly conditional upon legal entry into Tunisian territory.
2. Residency period: The applicant for citizenship must prove continuous residence of at least seven years .
3. Restricted birthright citizenship (Article 8): For children born in Tunisia to stateless parents, the granting of nationality would only be possible if the parents have resided in the country for at least ten years .

National security vs. talent attraction

The authors of the text justify this severity by the need to protect "the higher interest of the country" and to prevent risks to security and social peace.

However, the bill is not solely restrictive. It proposes to introduce a two-tiered system by streamlining the process for certain profiles deemed strategic. Naturalization would thus be simplified for individuals possessing exceptional skills in the following sectors:

1. Science and Technology
2. Economy
3. Arts and culture
4. Sport

Next steps

The text is currently before the Assembly. It must now be examined by the relevant parliamentary committees before, if the opinions are favorable, leading to a debate and a vote in plenary session.