The French Prime Minister has called for an inter-ministerial audit of visa procedures as part of a review of immigration rules.
The enforcement of exit orders and the strengthening of new “border forces” were also part of the immigration action plan outlined at a recent meeting organised by François Bayrou. Bayrou convened the meeting to set new immigration policy targets.
During the meeting, Bayrou said that in 2024 France “will receive more than half a million additional immigrants, including almost 160,000 asylum seekers – an unprecedented level.”
The latest Home Office estimates for last year include:
- 345,110 first residence cards issued, up 1.5 per cent from 340,019 in 2023, the highest number in recent years, with the exception of 2021, which was artificially inflated by many Britons living in France applying for their first cards after Brexit.
- 130,952 “first applications” for asylum (157,947 if requests for reconsideration of documents are included), down 9.8 per cent from 2023. Historical data shows that the figure is also lower than in 2022, but higher than in 2020 and 2021.
Bayrou said that “France’s capacity to receive new people is insufficient to face the demands of integration that result from this rate of migration.”
Problems also arise when foreigners commit offences in France, he said added:
“In this context, the expectations of our compatriots, who are in favour of greater control over migration flows, are well justified.”
The following measures were announced:
An inter-ministerial audit of visa policies, of which France issues more visas than any other European country; 2.8 million in 2024. This figure includes 75 per cent of short-term tourist visas plus 16 per cent for those travelling for work, and is lower than before Covid and comparable to 2014.
The experimental “border force,” created in 2023 and deployed particularly on the border with Italy, will be deployed across the country. They include police officers, gendarmes, customs officers, soldiers and – if necessary – reserve volunteers.
A national “special action plan” to increase the number of OQTFs – orders to expel from France those without legal residency status – being enforced, and to increase the number of detention centres for people deemed dangerous and awaiting expulsion.
An “ambitious” overhaul of the laws allowing illegal immigrants to be deported to their countries of origin, including the possibility of “immediate enforcement” of the OQTF.
In view of the “intolerable” situation on the Channel coast, talks to improve co-operation with the UK on illegal migration.
The fight against illegal immigration will become a diplomatic priority; for example, when issuing visas to nationals of a country, its co-operation will be taken into account, especially with regard to the return of expelled nationals. Algeria, in particular, was a target.
Workers in certain professions could obtain residence permits
The Government and employers’ bodies were currently finalising a new list of professions requiring tension.
These are areas of activity with insufficient supply in which workers can apply for a residence card, even if they are in an “irregular” residence situation.
The worker must have worked in France for at least 12 months out of the previous 24 and have lived in France for three years.
The existing list dates from 2021, except for an update in 2024 when more agricultural occupations were added. It will now be updated annually. The list includes different regions, but all regions include farmers, domestic workers, cooks and cleaners, as well as construction occupations and many jobs in hotels and restaurants.
