What is your professional background?
I am a trained engineer in naval architecture having studied in the US at the US Naval Academy for four years. Our naval academy in Tunisia is among the best in the world but we are talking about two different calibres. I had been an officer in the Tunisian navy for 15 years. Of course, I had to spend some time traveling on ships, but my main role was technical as I was coordinating repairs, maintenance and construction works as well as being responsible for some projects. I also gained international experience in Germany (2 years) and Romania (7 months). After a 15-year commitment that ended in 2021, I decided to move on to a civil shipyard as a project leader.
Why have you moved to Luxembourg?
It was not a decision based on money. My military engagement has been a constraining factor for my wife to progress professionally. Once relieved from my military engagement, it was time for me to make compromises as she had an opportunity in the banking sector in Luxembourg. After doing some research and given the available trainings and my broad experience, I considered that I should manage to find a position in the country.
My initial intention was to look for a position in the industry or the construction sector, but I do not want to limit myself to these sectors. I could imagine managing a group of people from various cultural background as I am speaking French, English and German.
Is it difficult to immigrate to Luxembourg?
Despite my wife arriving earlier, the administrative process involved both of us equally and included our two sons. Her employer involvement eased the immigration process before arriving, after which we took the baton for the remaining administrative documents such as declaring our arrival and getting the residence permit, an overall simple process. Relying on friends and former colleagues already living here has been very helpful.
What were the most frustrating administrative issues?
On the negative side, finding an accommodation was a bit frustrating and demanding when we arrived in 2022. We had many refusals despite having one or two salary slips for my wife and the means to pay for the three-month deposit and the broker fees. Providing the salary slip from Tunisia was not an option.
Getting doctor appointments were not obvious, at first, compared to Tunisia. I could manage to see a paediatrician the same day or the day after back home, whereas it takes a month or even more for some other specialists in Luxembourg.
How good is Luxembourg to move in with your family?
The administrative process in Strassen was amazingly fast given that I arrived in Luxembourg on 12 September and the schoolyear started on the 15th. All relevant documentation was sent back promptly. I am pleasantly surprised about the quality of life, safety and the efficiency of public transport. Interestingly, it is not a stressful environment for the children, compared to Tunis where heavy traffic is an issue. Admittedly, I am on a training course and my wife is teleworking.
What is the current training about?
I am enrolled in the “fit for agile project management” course, which will enable me to get the scrum certification upon the completion. When managing projects back home, I applied the classic methodology, one step after the other, whereas the agile approach helps in simultaneously moving forward several parts of a project. I think that improving my project management skills will help me in finding a new role.
What do you miss the most from Tunisia?
The sun, the beach and the family back home.
This article first appeared in the 2024-2025 Paperjam Expat Guide.
