France Considers Tightening State Medical Aid for Undocumented Immigrants

"There needs to be control of AME expenditures," Michel Barnier said in the Journal du dimanche, adding that "the government and Parliament will take all measures to ensure that these do not increase further." For the French Prime Minister, "it is important to ensure that the AME is never diverted from its purpose, which is a public health tool."

On Tuesday, the government indicated that it was in favor of freezing the credits dedicated to the AME, after previously announcing their increase in the 2025 budget. The number of AME beneficiaries was 466,000 at the end of 2023, Corse matin reports. This year, the AME represents nearly 0.5% of the health expenditures planned in the Social Security budget (PLFSS).

Regarding the execution of Orders to Leave French Territory (OQTF) and the expulsion of foreigners in an illegal situation, targeted by this measure, the occupant of Matignon says he wants to "in a spirit of dialogue", "extend or resume discussions" with the countries of origin of those concerned in order to facilitate their return.

"We will not do it aggressively, but by laying out all the tools of bilateral cooperation," Barnier said, stressing that "there are countries close to France, such as Algeria and Morocco, with whom dialogue is possible." And he continued: "And we will indeed be able to examine all the dimensions, if necessary, of the issuance of visas to development aid."