World Immigration News

France-Algeria: The need for coherence on immigration

Release Date: 2025-03-09
Media: Le Monde
Summary: The relationship between France and Algeria has become tense due to Algeria's refusal to readmit its nationals—criminals and undocumented immigrants—expelled from France. This issue was highlighted by a tragic knife attack in Mulhouse on February 22, 2025, committed by an Algerian convicted of "inciting terrorism," whose expulsion was not enforced due to Algeria's lack of cooperation. In response, French Prime Minister François Bayrou threatened to withdraw from the 1968 immigration agreement with Algeria.

The 1968 agreement was originally negotiated to limit the influx of Algerians into France, and its relevance is now questioned. While an update of this agreement may seem legitimate, the French government lacks a coherent strategy, with internal contradictions complicating the issue. Bayrou's rhetoric and attacks on "Algeria" rather than its government risk fueling nationalism and further tensions between the French and Algerian communities.

The French government needs to adopt a more consistent and thoughtful approach to dealing with Algeria, considering historical and humanitarian factors, to avoid exacerbating political divisions and strengthening far-right agendas.
Tags: FRANCE

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