Thousands of Senegalese students, who want to continue their studies in France, are affected by the new provisions of the immigration law adopted by Parliament.
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The immigration law, adopted on Tuesday December 19 by the French Parliament, is causing concern at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal. Conditions for immigration and stay on French territory have been tightened, and a deposit will be requested from foreign students. The latter will have to pay this upon arrival, provided that the Constitutional Council validates these new provisions.
They could concern some 14 000 Senegalese students who continue their university career in France. In the hall of the Faculty of Political and Legal Sciences, revisions are in full swing before the next exams. Samba Ndiaye, a public administration student, is preparing his master’s thesis and is still thinking about doing a doctorate in France, despite the new law. “It is preferable to soften the laws in relation to scientific immigration, for people who go to France to seek knowledge”defends Samba.
More than 30 000 applications in 2022
To obtain a student visa, the procedure is already long and expensive, confides Thione Dieng. This master’s student in public law has already failed twice to continue his studies in France. He wants to try his luck again, even if he is worried. “As soon as I have an admission, I try to find a solution. If I don’t find one, I’ll leave it like that.” Aloïs Diouf, in master 2, prefers to finish his university course in Senegal.
“Already before the law, it was difficult for some students, because financially it is complicated to make ends meet.”
Aloïs Diouf, master 2 studentat franceinfo
“With what the law now adds, it is a way for France to tell African students to stay at home and continue their studies in their country of origin”regrets the master’s student 2. In 2022, Campus France examined more than 30 000 Senegalese application files wanting to study in France.
Immigration law: what Senegalese students say – Report by Théa Ollivier