France to Tighten Immigration Rules and Citizenship Requirements

An immediate measure will concern access to French nationality: the minister stated that a circular would be sent "very soon" to the prefects to toughen the conditions. Recalling his position that "the right of residence is a favor granted to a regular foreigner on French soil", Bruno Retailleau indicated that this justified "putting conditions on it". He also mentioned a future increase in the level of French required for obtaining a residence permit, a provision already planned by the Darmanin Law for entry into force on January 1, 2026.

Regarding the regularization of undocumented workers through work, the publication of the list of so-called "shortage" occupations is expected. François-Noël Buffet, Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Interior, specified that this list, provided for by the latest immigration law, would be published "before the summer or at the latest in September".

On the diplomatic front, Bruno Retailleau announced a trip to Morocco this weekend "to consolidate the progress [...], particularly on consular laissez-passer". Regarding Algeria and the issue of readmissions of expelled nationals, he indicated that he would "judge by the results", adding that for "the time being", "there is absolutely no return to normal".

The minister also presented figures related to immigration. He reported a 20% drop in regularizations since the distribution of a circular on January 23 asking prefects to tighten the screws. The ministry also reports an increase in the number of "forced removals" (+9%) and "assisted removals" (+15%) between October 2024 and February 2025.