Immigration policy impacts millions of people around the world. Recent changes have prompted important discussions about immigration processes and their effects on families and individuals seeking new opportunities. As countries strive to balance economic needs with social responsibilities, these updates have far-reaching implications. This post will delve into the latest immigration policy changes in France and their significance for potential immigrants.
Tougher Implementation for the Regularization of Undocumented Workers
The French Minister of Interior Bruno Retailleau, issued a new government instruction which toughens the conditions for regularisation of undocumented immigrants in France, Last 23 January 2025.
This new government instruction replaces the 2012 version of Former French
Minister of Interior Manuel Valls, the 2012 government instruction which is also known
as Valls circulaire, eased the regularization process for both family and employment
reasons, the regularisation process is known as Exceptional Admission for Residence.
The new 2025 circular, sets stricter rules for the Exceptional Admission for residence to lower the number of annual regularisation from its approximately number from 30,000 to 20,000. It also aims at the importance of keeping control of the migratory flows as well as to emphasize the importance of following the proper regularization route (Work Permit and Visa to Carte de Sejour).
The French Minister of interior, stresses that the Exceptional Admission should be granted on exceptional basis only.
The new circular also emphasizes the integration, knowledge and commitment to
republican values especially for a good knowledge of the French Language. It also
prioritizes the regularisation for employment reasons and to lead to a significant
decrease in regularisations due to family reasons.
Although the criteria for Exceptional Admission for Residence has not been
fundamentally changed. The Prefects are highly encouraged to apply the new criteria
with great strictness and are required to apply these new rules immediately.
Written below are the new criteria based on the new circular:
1. Length of Residency in France has increased to 7 years (original Vall's
Circular, 5 years).
2. Higher level of French fluency (although not yet specified), must have a
French certificate (Original Vall's circular, Basic level French/ proof of oral
mastery)
3. Will not threaten public order or cause danger to society
4. Undocumented workers in sectors "under strain" to be prioritized ( The new
regularization will be based on the labor needs of France rather than personal or family motives)
5. Regularization under personal/ family reasons will be reduced and become a
privilege
6. Will have a contract of commitment to respect republican principles such as
gender equality, secularism freedom of expression etc.
7. Upon refusal of regularization the prefecture must issue OQTF or Obligation
to leave the French territory
Government instructions are not legally binding. They are issued by the
government to their administration as a guideline on how to apply the law on a daily
basis. While the law remains unchanged, it can be expected that the Préfectures will be
much more strict when granting residence permits
If you have questions, please book your Free Orientation Appointment here to speak with one of our Visa Consultants.
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