Oise Prefecture Faces Backlash Over Lengthy Residence Permit Delays Amid Pandemic

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, several French prefectures have seen the processing time of files increase significantly, details Le Parisien. These cases concern both first-time applications and renewals of resident cards.

One of the prefectures pointed out is the prefecture of Oise. According to Le Parisien, it is almost impossible for a foreigner to obtain a residence permit. Several constraints constitute barriers for foreigners: closed services, civil servants on vacation, "extremely difficult" online procedures...

Faced with these difficulties, associations helping foreigners are mobilizing to support foreign applicants. According to them, no appointments are available online.

Questioned, the Prefecture pointed out that residence permits that expired between March 16 and June 15 were extended by six months. According to an association activist, requests for first-time applications or renewal of an expired permit after June 15 cannot be processed anytime soon. "We are at an impasse," she regrets. Faced with the constraints related to online appointment requests, the prefecture advises residence permit applicants to send an email with their file.