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The article presents the first results of a field survey focusing on conditions of reception and the movement plans of people from Sub-Saharan countries present in the Tunisian capital, at a time when changes are being made in the national policy on migration. The Tunisian government has over the past few years promulgated stricter laws regulating the length of stay and circulation of foreigners on Tunisian soil (Act of 30 March 2003). The Authors’ examination bears upon this context while taking account of the effects on migration of the development of economic and scientific cooperation, achieved over the past number of years and aiming at Africa, and the usual practices of African migrants in Tunis. What is tending to change in Tunisian society is the place of the foreigner, in response to these newcomers.