Bruno Retailleau is questioning the relevance of the 1968 Algeria Agreement, prompting a review by François Bayrou. Following a February 26 meeting on immigration control, France plans to reassess the agreements with Algeria, particularly focusing on readmission protocols. If Algeria does not cooperate in repatriating individuals deemed sensitive by France, the country may withdraw from the agreement. Established post-Algerian War, the agreement grants Algerians certain immigration privileges, yet limits access to new immigration categories.
Reassessing the 1968 Algeria Agreement
Is it time to reconsider the agreements established in 1968 with Algeria? This is a question being raised by Bruno Retailleau and is now under consideration by François Bayrou. Following an interministerial meeting focused on ‘immigration control’ on February 26, the Prime Minister announced that Paris will be reaching out to Algiers to ‘review the full scope of the agreements’ between the two nations, emphasizing the need to address readmission protocols within the next four to six weeks.
France intends to provide Algeria with a list of individuals deemed ‘sensitive’ whom it wishes to be repatriated. If Algeria fails to comply, France may take steps to denounce the 1968 agreement. This ultimatum comes in light of a recent crisis, particularly following a tragic attack in Mulhouse, which involved an Algerian national residing illegally, whom Algeria has reportedly refused to repatriate on fourteen occasions.
The Content of the Agreement
The 1968 agreement regulates the movement, employment, and residency of Algerian nationals and their families in France, offering them certain privileges not available to other foreign nationals. For example, Algerians benefit from more favorable conditions concerning family reunification, while facing disadvantages in other areas, such as access for students. Critics, including the Minister of the Interior and various political factions, argue that these provisions, which are rooted in international law, grant Algerians exemptions from standard immigration regulations in France.
This agreement simplifies the entry process for Algerians into France. They are afforded regular entry conditions for specific permits rather than long-stay visas. Notably, the spouse of a French citizen can obtain a 10-year residence certificate after just one year of marriage, while a parent of a French child can receive the same certificate after one year of residency. Furthermore, Algerian nationals can apply for a 10-year residence certificate after three years in France, in contrast to the five years required by standard law, provided they demonstrate adequate financial resources.
However, this exclusive agreement restricts Algerians from accessing newer immigration categories, such as the ‘talent passport’ or the ‘student mobility program’ card. Algerian students face additional hurdles, as they cannot engage in student jobs without securing a temporary permit, which limits their work hours to 50% of the annual working time allowed in their sector, compared to 60% for other nationalities.
The Context of the Agreement’s Formation
The agreement was established in 1968, six years post-Algerian War (1954-1962), during a period when France was in need of labor to bolster its economy. The implementing decree from March 18, 1969, cited the need to maintain a steady influx of workers, particularly referencing the historical flow of Algerian immigrants to France. Today, Algerians continue to represent the largest demographic of foreign nationals in France.
Attempts at Negotiation in the 2010s
In 2010, under Nicolas Sarkozy’s administration, the French government initiated discussions with Algeria aimed at regulating immigration from the country, which is a significant source of immigration to France. However, Algerian authorities resisted any changes that would diminish the advantages provided by the 1968 agreement. Algeria indicated that it might withdraw its cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts if France pursued modifications to this agreement.