France will no longer accept new “seconded imams” from January 1, announces the Ministry of the Interior

The decision was announced by Emmanuel Macron in 2020 to fight against “foreign influences” on Islam in France.

The notice given in 2020 is coming to an end. From January 1, 2024, France will no longer accept new “seconded” imams sent by other countries, declared the Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, in a letter to the countries concerned, Friday December 29.

Emmanuel Macron announced in February 2020 a series of measures against “foreign influences” on Islam in France, in order to fight against “Islamist separatism”. Among them, putting an end to the reception of some 300 imams sent by various countries (Algeria, Turkey, Morocco, etc.). “We are working on the end of seconded imams in 2024”specified the then Minister of the Interior, Christophe Castaner.

“Ramadan imams” not called into question

Seconded imams already present in the territory will have to change their status after April 1, 2024, adds the letter. A “specific framework” will be put in place to allow associations managing places of worship to recruit imams themselves, whom they will directly employ.

On the other hand, the arrival of“Ramadan imams”these approximately 300 chanters and reciters who go to France during the blessed month for Muslims, is not “not questioned”, according to the letter. The minister also requests that a “increasing share” imams officiating in the territory are, “at least partially, trained in France”with an offer “respectful of the laws and principles of the Republic”.