France Naturalizes 12,000 Essential Foreign Workers, Including Moroccans, After COVID Service

The required period of residence before obtaining French nationality has been reduced from five years to two years. Since September 2020, the Ministry of the Interior has eased the procedure for acquiring nationality for foreign health professionals, security or maintenance agents, cashiers or home helpers mobilized during the health crisis.

Since this easing, 16,381 applications have been filed with the prefecture throughout France and 12,012 foreigners have become French, informs the office of the Minister Delegate for Citizenship at the Ministry of the Interior, Marlène Schiappa.

"These front-line workers answered the call for the nation. It is normal for the nation to take a step towards them. I welcome our new compatriots to French nationality and thank them on behalf of the Republic: the country has held firm thanks to them as well," said Marlène Schiappa.