With a coastline of roughly 46,000 kilometres, the Mediterranean connects three continents and more than 20 countries. For this story, we focus on one of its port cities: Sfax. It's a city with a rich history, best seen in its long tradition of perfume-making. Since the ninth century, local craftsmen have been making scents here using techniques passed down from one generation to the next.
Anis* grew up in Sfax. His father has worked in perfume and antiseptic alcohol production for many years, and perfume has always been a big part of Anis's life, even when he left the city.
A few years ago, he made his way to the Netherlands. He crossed by boat, following his brother. After a dangerous journey, he arrived in Belgium, where his older brother had found work in construction. After a while, Anis moved on to the Netherlands to try and build a life there. But he never really felt at home. Then a message from his father about money troubles back in Tunisia made him decide to go back. Anis contacted IOM for help with his return
Anis and his brothers
Outside the family perfumery
His father's situation has since improved, and it was the father himself who asked his sons to come home. Today, Anis and his brother work together in the family business, a perfumery. He is also doing a vocational course in perfume-making at a local training centre, earning a salary plus some support from his father.
Anis talking proudly about his plans for the futureBut he wants more. He dreams of setting up his own part of the business and opening a small shop on the street. With his reintegration support, he has already bought basic materials and is working on getting the permits he needs to produce on his own.
He admits that the standard of living in Belgium and the Netherlands is higher, but Anis has chosen to stay in Sfax. His family is here. His work is here. And here, he can build on knowledge that has been part of the city for centuries. Still, he keeps his options open. One day, he would d love to return to the Netherlands the right way, with a qualification in his pocket.
For now, Anis is in Sfax, working on his future in perfumery.
*Anis is an alias.
