Top Medical Student Faces Deportation from France Despite Years of Study

Rayen risks being deported to Tunisia. On February 28, as he was leaving his hospital shift, he received an OQTF, which left him bewildered. "I thought OQTFs were reserved for people who pose a threat to public order," the 5th year medical student told What’s Up Doc. He sought the services of lawyer Caroline Andrivet. She initiated two procedures, one to cancel the OQTF and another in summary proceedings (urgency) to obtain a temporary residence permit for him.

Rayen arrived in France in 2016. At the time, he was 12 years old. Four years later, he obtained his baccalaureate with honors and succeeded in entering the medical school at Paris-Saclay University. In 2021, he attempted to make his first residence permit application, two months before turning 18. He was unable to secure an appointment with his prefecture (Seine-Saint-Denis). He then took the matter to the administrative court. It wasn’t until January 2023 that he was summoned. He received a simple receipt for extended processing, which he renewed every three months until the OQTF notification.

Rayen’s lawyer accuses the prefecture of having "dragged out the procedure" and directed it towards the framework of exceptional admission for residence, where it has discretionary power. She also denounces "a superficial examination and stereotypical reasoning". "It is difficult for (Rayen) to understand receiving an unfavorable decision when he is already at the end of his fifth year of studies," Caroline Andrivet reminded.

The reason for the OQTF is surprising: according to the Seine-Saint-Denis prefecture, Rayen does not demonstrate any integration, nor professional prospects in France, nor sufficient family ties in France. However, his two brothers are settled there. The refusal of Rayen’s residence permit application "demonstrates a superficial examination and stereotypical reasoning" on the part of the prefecture, according to the student’s lawyer.

Rayen can count on the support of his university president Camille Galap. He sent a letter to the administrative court assuring that the young Tunisian student "is pursuing his studies brilliantly, showing remarkable involvement in theoretical and practical teachings". The administrative court, in turn, ordered the Seine-Saint-Denis prefecture to issue Rayen a temporary residence permit valid until November 2025. This will allow him to calmly complete his internship in intensive care and validate his fifth year.

According to his lawyer, there are "strong chances" that the Administrative Court will cancel the OQTF. Rayen also displays his optimism and determination: "I am determined to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor and to contribute to this country".