(Ecofin Agency) - Remittances from Tunisian migrants represent the second largest source of foreign currency after export earnings, since the 2011 Revolution.   

The Money Tunisians living abroad send back home reached TND1.81 billion ($579.7 million) over the first three months of this year, marking a 4% increase year-on-year. The figures were reported yesterday April 3 by the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT).

These resources equate to about 1.5 times the country’s tourism revenue over the same period, standing as the second-largest source of foreign exchange after export revenues.

Beyond tourism revenue, remittances in Tunisia have also surpassed foreign direct investment flows, especially since the 2011 revolution, which led to a decrease in tourist visits and reduced the country's attractiveness to foreign investors.

Officially, the Tunisian diaspora is estimated at 1.3 million people, most of whom reside in European Union (EU) countries and the wealthy oil-rich Gulf monarchies.