The usurpation of Moroccan identity, the favorite sport of Algerian migrants in France

In 2020, the Paris prosecutor’s office had conducted investigations into this phenomenon that is taking on alarming proportions, revealing that many Algerians are passing themselves off as Moroccans when they are arrested for various offenses, which makes it difficult for the French authorities to identify them. Out of 8,250 Algerians arrested in 2023 for acts of delinquency, nearly 27% claimed, during interrogations, to be of Moroccan nationality. This practice is more frequent in the Paris region, Marseille and certain cities in the North.

Several reasons would justify the choice of Algerians to usurp Moroccan identity. "The procedures for repatriation to Algeria often face diplomatic obstacles. Although the two countries have signed readmission agreements, the Algerian authorities collaborate little in the implementation of these measures. In 2023, 2,562 Algerian nationals had been expelled. Thus, by concealing their real nationality, the Algerian undocumented immigrants try to slow down, or even prevent, their expulsion."

A study of the files of Algerians arrested in 2023 shows that some of them, without a criminal record in France, have a perfect mastery of the loopholes in the law and in the administrative procedures related to expulsion. On this basis, the Paris prosecutor’s office suspects the existence of a well-oiled system, set up by networks to help irregular migrants. For some observers, this practice could be the work of organized networks that would encourage migrants to usurp Moroccan nationality to avoid deportations from France.