Tunisian group accuses authorities of mass expulsions of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa
Updated 01 March 2024
TUNIS: Migration activists are sounding the alarm this week about mass expulsions and arbitrary arrests in Tunisia, where authorities are seeing more migrants arrive for attempted Mediterranean crossings from the North African nation to Europe. The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights on Monday accused the government of waging a campaign of repression against migrants at the expense of humanitarian concerns, “to satisfy European blackmail and ensure a steady stream of financial and logistical support.” It said in a statement that witness accounts indicated the situation had become particularly dire around Tunisia’s borders with Libya and Algeria as well as around the country’s second most populous city, Sfax, a common stopover point for migrants aiming to cross the Mediterranean. The nongovernmental organization said that migrants in Sfax, which is 117 miles (188 kilometers) from the Italian Island of Lampedusa, regularly experience arbitrary arrests and violence. Many have their property destroyed. Such treatment hasn’t been limited to migrants who enter Tunisia without authorization and has extended to refugees, students, and workers, the group said. It said it had received frequent reports of mass expulsions across the Algerian and Libyan borders. In Algeria, that has included migrants being deported into the desert regardless of weather conditions. In war-torn Libya, deportations often lead to migrants ending up in detention centers run by armed groups. Tunisian officials have said small groups of migrants have been pushed back across the country’s desert borders but disputed reports of systemic abuse and expulsions. The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights implored the government to end the deportations, provide migrants safe haven and update laws to allow those without papers to obtain some sort of legal status. “Sovereignty is not achieved by intimidating vulnerable groups and resorting to outdated laws and discriminatory circulars, but rather by initiating national policies that guarantee dignity, rights and freedoms for all humans,” it said. Tunisia faces increased scrutiny over how it deals with migrants. More than 97,000 people crossed the Mediterranean from Tunisia to Italy in 2023, according to UNHCR. Tunisian migration groups estimate there are between 20,000 and 50,000 sub-Saharan migrants in the country. Tunisian authorities receive financial assistance from Europe to help police borders. The country brokered a $1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) aid agreement in July that included a pledge of 105 million euros ($110 million) earmarked for migration. Despite the aid, President Kais Saied has insisted that Tunisia will not become Europe’s “border guard” or accept migrants that European politicians, including ascendant right-wing leaders, don’t want. Saied last year faced allegations of racism after calling the presence of sub-Saharan African migrants part of a “criminal plan to change the demographic makeup of the country.”
US confirms first bird flu case without animal contact
Updated 1 min 11 sec ago
The CDC said it had not identified any transmission to the patient’s close contacts or any other person Scientists have voiced concern about the growing number of mammals becoming infected by bird flu, even if cases in humans remain rare
WASHINGTON: A person in the state of Missouri has become the first in the United States to test positive for bird flu without a known exposure to infected animals, authorities said on Friday. The adult patient, who has underlying conditions, was admitted to hospital on August 22, received antiviral medications against influenza, then recovered and was discharged, according to statements from the Centers for Control and Disease Prevention (CDC) and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. As the patient’s flu type appeared suspicious on an initial test, it was sent for additional testing in state and federal laboratories, which revealed it was H5, also known as avian flu or bird flu. The CDC said it had not identified any transmission to the patient’s close contacts or any other person. Scientists have voiced concern about the growing number of mammals becoming infected by bird flu, even if cases in humans remain rare. They fear a high rate of transmission could facilitate a mutation of the virus, which could enable it to be passed from one human to another. Contacted by AFP, the World Health Organization said on Saturday it was “encouraging that the national disease surveillance system has identified this case, that the patient received antiviral treatment, and that no further cases have been detected among close contacts.” “It is critical that investigations into the patient’s exposure are continued, as indicated by national and state authorities, to inform further prevention and response activities,” said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention. “WHO strongly supports US efforts for surveillance of zoonotic influenza across human, environmental and animal sectors,” Van Kerkhove continued. “It is important to understand the circulation of avian influenza in poultry, wild birds and other animals in the state,” she said of Missouri. “Stronger disease surveillance in animals is essential to protect animal and human health.” The person who tested positive for bird flu was the 14th to do so in the US this year, and the first without known contact with animals. Indeed, “no H5 infection in dairy cattle has been reported in Missouri,” said the Missouri health department, though “some H5 cases in commercial or backyard flocks and wild birds have been reported.” All previous bird flu cases in the United States have been among farmworkers, including the very first, in 2022. Bird flu is most commonly found in wild birds and poultry, but has more recently been detected in mammals, with an outbreak in cattle seen across the country this year. It can occasionally infect humans through close contact or contaminated environments. While the CDC continues to assess the risk to the public as low, “circumstances may change quickly as more information is learned,” it said. In the decades since H5 has been found in humans, there have been rare cases where an animal source cannot be identified. But there has so far not been evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission, which would significantly increase the threat level.
Startup Wrap – Saudi ecosystem flourishes with funding and acquisitions
Updated 4 min 29 sec ago
Nour El-Shaeri
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem continues to gain momentum, with multiple companies across diverse sectors securing significant funding.
From fintech to auto tech, these startups are attracting substantial investments, reflecting the growing confidence in the Kingdom’s entrepreneurial landscape.
One such company to pick up investment is Saudi Arabia-based autotech Syarah, which secured $60 million in a series C funding round led by Artal Capital, with participation from Elm, Impact46, Tawuniya, and Derayah Ventures.
This latest round brings the company’s total investment to more than $82 million.
Syarah was founded in 2015 by Salah Sharef and Fayez Al-Anazi. (Supplied)
Founded in 2015 by Salah Sharef and Fayez Al-Anazi, Syarah enables customers to purchase new and used cars online and have them delivered to their doorstep.
The company’s platform also offers used cars with a free inspection report, a five-day return policy, and a one-year warranty.
The funds will be used to drive Syarah’s continued expansion and growth in the Saudi automotive market.
Saudi fintech Malaa secures $17.3 million in Series A
Saudi fintech Malaa has closed a $17.3 million Series A round, led by SNB Capital, with additional support from Derayah Financial, Khwarizmi Ventures, Impact46, and WKN.
Established in 2021 by Ali Al-Oraini and Faisal Al-Qarni, Malaa provides a wealth management platform designed to help users make informed financial decisions through data-driven solutions.
The company plans to leverage the new funding to introduce a range of investment and savings products, enhancing its financial services offerings. Malaa previously raised $1.7 million in a seed round in 2022.
Saudi-based Thakaa Med secures seed funding for AI healthtech solutions
Saudi Arabia-based healthtech startup Thakaa Med has raised an undisclosed amount in seed funding from the Falak Angels syndicate.
Founded in 2022 by Al-Waleed Al-Badr, Thakaa Med specializes in AI-driven health care technologies aimed at providing predictive, preventive, and personalized medical solutions.
The funds will support the development of the company’s AI models and the market launch of its core products, Dental IQ and Chest IQ, which aim to revolutionize diagnostic capabilities in health care.
Tabby acquires digital wallet Tweeq
Saudi Arabia-based buy now pay later fintech Tabby has finalized its acquisition of Tweeq, a digital wallet licensed by the Saudi Central Bank.
Founded in 2019 by Hosam Arab, Tabby handles over $6 billion in annual transaction volume.
Tweeq, launched in 2020 by Saeed Albuhairi and Abdulaziz Almalki, offers a digital spending account that allows users to manage their finances efficiently.
The acquisition enables Tabby to expand its financial product suite by adding digital wallets, spending accounts, and money management tools. Tabby closed a $200 million Series D round in November 2023, crossing a $1.5 billion valuation.
Speaking to Arab News, Arab explained that the acquisition will open an array of services that tap into customer needs.
“We have really grown and seen extremely strong demand and appetite from the consumer for what we have offered. But we believe that the consumer needs are a lot broader and a lot wider,” he said.
“Tweeq’s acquisition really helps us to make the next step in our journey of starting to offer more than just a buy now, pay later solution and really getting into the financial needs of our everyday consumer,” Arab added.
Tarabut strengthens position with Vyne acquisition
Open banking platform Tarabut has acquired London-based fintech Vyne to expand its global reach.
Founded in Bahrain in 2019 by Abdulla Al-Moayed, Tarabut connects banks and fintechs through a universal application programming interface.
Vyne, established in 2019, offers real-time account-to-account payments for businesses. The acquisition will enhance Tarabut’s ability to deliver faster and more interconnected financial services across the region.
Earlier in 2023, Tarabut raised $32 million in a Series A round led by Pinnacle Capital.
In an interview with Arab News, Al-Moayed highlighted the reasons behind the acquisition.
“Vyne’s account-to-account payment technology brings a level of depth and efficiency to the region that’s unmatched by anything currently available,” he said.
“By enabling faster transactions and offering a comprehensive tech stack, we’re not just speeding up payments — we’re adding significant value with features like seamless reconciliation. This will make payments not only quicker but also more cost-effective, setting a new standard in the financial services sector across the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia,” he added.
Wattnow closes multi-million dollar funding round
Tunisia-based clean tech Wattnow has completed a multi-million dollar funding round, led by Lateral Frontiers and 216 Capital.
Other investors include Outlierz Ventures, Satgana, Octerra Capital, and strategic angels such as Karim Beguir, founder of InstaDeep, and Guillaume Amblard.
Founded in 2018 by Issam Smaali, Wattnow helps businesses optimize their energy usage through a combination of hardware and software solutions.
The fresh capital will support Wattnow’s global expansion and enhance its technology offering. The firm raised $1.3 million in a pre-series A round in 2022.
Cercli raises $4 million in seed funding
UAE-based HR tech Cercli has raised $4 million in a seed round led by Silicon Valley’s Afore Capital, with additional participation from COTU Ventures, Y Combinator, and Rebel Fund.
The round also included notable angels such as Karim Atiyeh, Sebastian Mejia, and Tony Jamous.
Founded in 2023 by Akeed Azmi and David Reche, Cercli offers businesses tools to reduce human error and compliance costs across different markets. (Supplied)
Founded in 2023 by Akeed Azmi and David Reche, Cercli offers businesses tools to reduce human error and compliance costs across different markets. The new funding will support the company’s growth and help attract top-tier talent.
This round marks Afore Capital’s debut in the Middle East and North Africa as it aims to tap into the region’s hidden potential.
Ziina closes $22 million series A
UAE-based fintech Ziina has raised $22 million in a series A round led by Altos Ventures, alongside Fintech Collective, Avenir Growth, and Activant Capital.
Founded in 2020 by Faisal Toukan and Sarah Toukan, Ziina allows users to send and receive payments via phone number, without the need for IBAN or Swift codes.
The funding will support the company’s plans to evolve from a payments platform into a full-suite financial services provider for both consumers and businesses, starting with the introduction of its new ZiiCard.
Hulexo secures seed investment for ERP expansion
UAE-based enterprise resource planning provider Hulexo has raised an undisclosed seed round from Arzan VC.
Launched in 2021, the firm provides customized ERP solutions to retailers, helping them streamline their operations through subscription-based services.
The investment will fund Hulexo’s expansion into the Kuwaiti and Saudi markets.
Verofax secures $3 million bridge round
UAE-based Web3 services provider Verofax has raised $3 million in a bridge round led by King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, Plug & Play Tech Center, Navig8 Group, and Trove Capital UK.
Verofax, founded in 2018 by Wassim Merheby and Jamil Zablah, uses Web3 technologies such as augmented reality, blockchain, and AI to enhance user experiences in tourism, retail, and brand marketing.
The funding will support Verofax’s expansion in the Middle East and Europe, including projects involving AI-powered guides for tourists and sports fans.
NEW DELHI: Indian academics, retired diplomats, and civil servants are seeking the Supreme Court’s intervention to cancel any existing licenses for the export of military equipment to Israel during its war on Gaza.
A 417-page writ petition filed to India’s top court on Wednesday and supplemented on Thursday includes information about public and private sector companies in India “dealing with manufacture and export of arms and munitions (that) have been granted licenses for the export of arms and munitions to Israel, even during this period of the ongoing war in Gaza.”
Petitioners request that the Supreme Court issue an order to the government of India to cancel these licenses and halt the granting of new ones as the sales are in violation of India’s obligations under international law and in breach of its own constitutional provisions of the right to life and equality, and the state’s duty uphold international treaties.
“This act of giving weapons to a state which is engaged — I quote the ICJ (International Court of Justice) — in probable genocidal activities, is a clear violation of India’s domestic law and international law, that is what is argued out in the main text of the petition,” Vijayan Malloothra Joseph, a renowned policy analyst and one of the 11 petitioners, told Arab News.
Indian arms sales to Israel came into the spotlight in May, when two cargo ships were prevented from docking in a Spanish port.
“Spain blocked and stopped all ships from entering their territorial waters and parking in Cartagena port. They outrightly declined. They said the ships were carrying ammunition and they gave a list of ammunition,” Joseph said.
This triggered an uproar among Indian civil society, and a group of lawyers and judges in July called on Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to cancel the licenses of companies supplying military equipment to Israel in the wake of its ongoing genocide case in the International Court of Justice over its deadly onslaught on Gaza.
The Ministry of Defense did not respond to the call, but its spokesperson told Arab News last week that the government “has not authorized the supply of any weapons to Israel during the last several months.” The spokesperson did not comment on canceling existing licenses.
“We have written earlier to the defense minister requesting him to stop the sales of lethal weapons to Israel. In these circumstances we did not get a response, then we went to the Supreme Court,” Deb Mukharji, former ambassador to Bangladesh, Nigeria and Nepal, who also signed the petition, told Arab News.
“Our expectation is that the Supreme Court might take notice because we have said that the permission to sell weapons to Israel is an illegal act. The point is that if something illegal is being done then we have to approach the Supreme Court to stop it from being done.”
At least 40,900 people, most of them children and women, have been killed and more than 94,600 wounded in Israeli military attacks on the enclave since October last year, according to Gaza Health Ministry estimates.
The real toll, however, is believed to be much higher, as the ministry’s data does not include people buried under rubble, those who died of their injuries, or who starved to death while Israeli forces have been blocking international aid.
“It’s a violation of human rights by Israel and we should not be a party to this. This has been the main motivation for the petition,” said Ashok Kumar Sharma, another petitioner, and India’s former ambassador to Finland and Kazakhstan.
“All of us petitioners have no vested interests except humanitarian interests. I have been a diplomat for 36 years and I have seen many such incidents in this history, and we the Indian people and the Indian state have never supported any genocide anywhere in the world.”
Cheryl D’Souza, advocate and member of the legal team that filed the writ petition, told Arab News that the petition is expected to be read in the court on Monday.
“The matter is listed before the chief justice on Monday. Let’s see what happens. We have appealed to the judicial conscience of the court to do something about this matter because it involves the lives of so many people,” she said.
Construction licenses drive investment surge in Saudi Arabia; Egypt secures 30% of total share in Q2
Updated 9 min 29 sec ago
Dayan Abou Tine
RIYADH: Construction permits led Saudi Arabia’s investment licenses in the second quarter of 2024, with 737 issued, representing 27 percent of the total, according to official data.
Figures from the Kingdom’s Ministry of Investment quarterly report also revealed that this number represents a 32.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Saudi Arabia is aiming to increase foreign direct investment inflows by SR388 billion annually by the end of the decade, contributing 5.7 percent to GDP, as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy.
Additionally, the goal is to achieve overall gross fixed capital formation of SR2 trillion, accounting for a 30 percent contribution to GDP.
Analyzing the latest figures, Albara’a Al-Wazir, economist at the US-Saudi Business Council, told Arab News: “The prominence of construction permits in Saudi Arabia is driven by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which includes mega projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Project.”
He added: “The need for new infrastructure due to population growth, urbanization, and the push to attract foreign investment also contribute.
“Additionally, regulatory reforms have simplified the permit process, encouraging more construction activity in both residential and commercial sectors.
“These factors underscore the construction sector’s key role in Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts.”
The manufacturing sector followed with 469 licenses issued, reflecting a 68.1 percent growth.
Permits for professional, scientific, and technical services reached 318, up by 48.6 percent. Information and communication had 232, while accommodation and food services secured 216, and wholesale and retail trade accounted for 214 licenses.
Collectively, these six sectors represented around 80 percent of the total investment licenses for the quarter, according to the ministry.
In terms of distribution by country, Egypt received the highest number of licenses, with 789 issued in the second quarter of 2024. This marked a 71 percent growth rate from the same period last year.
India followed with 264, Yemen with 251, then Pakistan with 168, and Syria with 141 licenses.
Alwazir explained that significant investments from Egypt, India, and Yemen reflect their recognition of Saudi Arabia’s economic potential under Vision 2030.
These nations are drawn to opportunities in construction, tourism, and technology, and see the Kingdom as a strategic gateway to the Middle East and North Africa.
Strong bilateral relations and the Kingdom’s efforts to foster a favorable investment climate through reforms and incentives further encourage these countries to look to Saudi Arabia, viewing the Kingdom as a key hub for regional expansion and high returns.
The two countries with the highest increase in investment licenses during this period were Bangladesh, which saw a 406 percent rise to 91 licenses, and China, where licenses grew by 217 percent to 133.
Alwazir told Arab News that China’s Belt and Road Initiative aligns with Saudi infrastructure goals, boosting Chinese investment across multiple sectors. Bangladesh is also increasing its involvement, particularly in construction, trade, and services, driven by the Kingdom’s demand for labor and goods.
Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its economy and achieve sustainable development by fostering investments in key economic sectors.
Guided by Vision 2030, the Kingdom has introduced several national strategies, initiatives, and programs to empower and grow these sectors.
These include attracting investors by organizing and participating in international events and investment forums with various countries, and enhancing investment laws and procedures in collaboration with government entities to strengthen the legislative and regulatory framework.
Additionally, the Kingdom launched the Regional Headquarters program for multinational companies, designed to support and accelerate their growth in the region.
This program offers significant financial incentives, including a 30-year exemption from corporate income tax for foreign companies that establish their Gulf bases in Saudi Arabia.
In the second quarter of 2024, the Ministry of Investment made significant strides in supporting the investment ecosystem and enhancing the investor experience.
According to its quarterly report, 57 licenses for regional headquarters were issued in the second quarter of 2024, marking an 84 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
Additionally, the ministry processed 4,709 applications for the business visit visa, also known as the Visiting Investor, which allows foreign businesspeople to explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
The e-platform provided over 58,000 services, reflecting a 31 percent growth from the previous year, while more than 61,000 services were delivered through outreach centers.
The ministry also addressed 38 investor challenges, including legislative and procedural issues. The One Stop Service Center saw impressive growth, offering more than 25,000 services — a 146 percent increase from the same period in the previous year.
In August this year, Saudi Arabia introduced a new Investment Law, set to replace the Foreign Investment Law from 2000.
According to Alwazir, this new law introduces several important provisions to boost investor confidence. It guarantees equal treatment for foreign and domestic investors, eliminating previous barriers and ensuring equal opportunities.
The law also offers stronger protections against expropriation without adequate compensation, addressing a key concern for foreign investors.
Additionally, it streamlines regulatory processes for obtaining licenses and permits, making it easier and faster to enter and operate in the market.
Enhanced dispute resolution mechanisms provide clearer pathways for resolving conflicts, while incentives for strategic sectors like technology, renewable energy, and tourism make investment more attractive.
“By addressing key concerns such as regulatory clarity, protection of assets, and equal treatment, the new law is expected to attract a broader range of global investors and significantly contribute to achieving the FDI target of SR388 billion annually by 2030,” Alwazir said.
King Salman, crown prince congratulate Brazilian president on country’s independence day
Sept. 7 holiday celebrates Brazil’s declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822
Updated 10 min 28 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a cable of congratulations to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the occasion of his country’s independence day on Saturday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The king wished Lula health and happiness, and the government and people of Brazil steady progress and prosperity, SPA added.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a similar cable of congratulations to Lula.
The Independence Day of Brazil, commonly called Sete de Setembro, is a national holiday observed in Brazil and celebrates Brazil’s declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822.
