PARIS (Portal) – French President Emmanuel Macron is facing divisions within his ruling alliance after lawmakers passed a law tightening citizenship and welfare rules for immigrants.
Here are some of the key provisions of the bill:
ANNUAL IMMIGRATION POLICY STATEMENT
Every year the government must present to Parliament an overview of its immigration policy and provide detailed information on the number of immigrants and asylum seekers, how many residence permits have been granted or refused, how many family reunifications have been approved and how many illegal immigrants have been expelled or deported and how many immigrants received French citizenship.
Longer delays in receiving social assistance for non-EU foreigners
Non-EU citizens working in France must prove they have been in the country for 30 months before they can receive benefits such as child care. Foreigners in France who are not working must wait five years before they can receive benefits.
REFORM OF STATE MEDICAL CARE FOR NON-EU FOREIGNERS
During 2024, the government will review current legislation that gives illegal residents full access to government-funded medical care.
Residence permit to address labor shortages
Non-EU foreigners who do not have a residence or work permit but work in areas or industries where it is difficult to find staff – such as in the catering industry, construction and agriculture – can apply for a residence and work permit .
To be eligible, the foreign worker must have lived in France for at least three years and worked for at least 12 months (not necessarily consecutive) in the last two years.
When considering this application, the authorities will take into account the applicant's level of integration into French society and his respect for republican values.
Foreigners with a criminal record cannot benefit from this exemption.
Birthright citizenship is no longer automatic
Children born in France to foreign parents no longer automatically become French citizens under the “ius soli” law, but must apply for citizenship between the ages of 16 and 18.
Withdrawal of citizenship
People with dual nationality convicted of intentionally killing a police officer or government official may have their French nationality revoked.
RULES FOR FAMILY REUNION TIGHTENED
Foreigners who have been granted the right to live in France must wait at least 24 months (from the current 18 months) and have a stable income and health insurance before they can then apply for family members to join them.
A spouse wishing to enter France must be at least 21 years old (versus 18 under current law).
SANCTIONS FOR COUNTRIES THAT DO NOT TAKE BACK IMMIGRANTS
Development aid can be conditioned on a country's cooperation in returning illegal migrants and compliance with agreements with France to control migration flows.
FOREIGN STUDENTS GUARANTEE THE DEPOSIT
Foreign nationals applying for a student residence permit must pay a refundable deposit to cover possible future repatriation costs. An exception can be made for students with financial need or excellent exam results.
Preventive detention for asylum seekers
Asylum seekers whose behavior poses a threat to public order may be placed in preventive detention, particularly if there is a risk that the asylum seeker will flee.
Administrative detention for foreign minors abolished
Foreign minors can no longer be held in detention centers.
(Reporting by Geert De Clercq; Editing by Richard Lough)
Copyright 2023 Thomson Portal.