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France is undertaking a significant overhaul of its immigration policies in 2025, introducing a series of stringent measures aimed at tightening border controls, refining integration processes, and addressing labor market needs. This reform follows a previous immigration law enacted in January 2024, which faced legal challenges and was partially invalidated by the Constitutional Council.
Key Components of the 2025 Immigration Reform
1. Extended Detention Periods
The new law proposes increasing the maximum administrative detention period for undocumented migrants from 90 to 210 days, particularly targeting individuals deemed a public threat. This extension aligns with detention durations permitted for suspected terrorists and reflects a more stringent approach to immigration enforcement .
2. Reinstatement of Illegal Residence Offense
The reform reintroduces the offense of illegal residence, abolished in 2012. Under the new provisions, individuals residing in France without valid documentation could face fines up to €3,750 and potential expulsion for up to three years .
3. Stricter Language and Civic Integration Requirements
Applicants for multi-year residence permits must now demonstrate at least an A2 level in French, while those seeking long-term residency or citizenship need to achieve B1 and B2 levels, respectively. Additionally, a civics test assessing commitment to French republican values has been introduced .
4. Tightened Family Reunification Criteria
The law increases the required residency period in France from 18 to 24 months before one can apply for family reunification. It also raises the minimum age for spouses from 18 to 21 and imposes stricter financial and housing requirements on applicants .
5. Healthcare Access Restrictions
State medical aid (AME) for undocumented migrants is being transformed into emergency-only aid, limiting access to essential healthcare services and aiming to reduce incentives for illegal immigration .
6. Pathways for Skilled Workers
To address labor shortages, particularly in sectors like healthcare, construction, and hospitality, the reform introduces a "Talent - Medical and Pharmacy Professions" residence permit. This four-year permit is designed for non-EU medical professionals and aims to simplify the immigration process for skilled workers .
7. Revocation of Citizenship for Serious Crimes
The new provisions allow for the revocation of French citizenship from dual nationals convicted of serious offenses against law enforcement, reflecting a tougher stance on national security .
Political and Social Reactions
The reform has garnered support from right-wing and far-right factions, who view it as a necessary step to safeguard national security and sovereignty. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau emphasized aligning France's policies with other European nations to reduce the country's attractiveness to illegal migrants .
Conversely, centrist and left-wing politicians, along with human rights organizations, have criticized the reform for potentially undermining humanitarian principles and the rights of migrants. Concerns have been raised about the impact of stricter measures on vulnerable populations, including asylum seekers and families .
Implementation Timeline
The French government aims to present the new immigration bill to the National Assembly in early 2025. If passed, the law would mark the 119th immigration-related legislative text since 1945, reflecting the ongoing evolution of France's approach to immigration in response to changing political, social, and economic landscapes .
Source :- https://www.fragomen.com/insights/france-new-comprehensive-immigration-law-introduced.html
