In 2022, France received 294 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), 10% more than in 2021. This figure comprises 24% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 20% labour migrants, 36% family members (including accompanying family) and 9% humanitarian migrants. Around 98 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 40 000 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 337 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2022, a 9% increase compared to 2021. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2022. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Morocco registered the strongest increase (4 800) and Spain the largest decrease (‑1 200) in flows to France compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 5.5%, to reach around 145 000. The majority of applicants came from Afghanistan (17 000), Guinea (11 000) and Türkiye (9 800). The largest increase since 2022 concerned nationals of Guinea (4 300) and the largest decrease nationals of Afghanistan (‑5 700). Of the 133 000 decisions taken in 2023, 31% were positive.
Emigration of French citizens to OECD countries increased by 4% in 2022, to 110 000. Approximately 16% of this group migrated to Switzerland, 15% to Spain and 13% to Canada.
In January 2024, a new law was passed to better control immigration and improve integration. The law allows undocumented workers with proof of 12 months’ work in a job in short supply over the last 24 months, and three years of residence, to apply for regularisation on their own, without requiring their employer to file the application on their behalf. Penalties for employers hiring undocumented workers have increased. A new four‑year “talent – medical and pharmacy professions” residence permit was introduced. A minimum language level was introduced for obtaining a first multi‑annual permit (A2 level) and was raised for obtaining residence (B1) and naturalisation (B2). The law also aims to speed up asylum procedures by consolidating relevant services at territorial level and reducing litigation from 12 to three standard procedures. A file for unaccompanied minors suspected of having committed a criminal offence was created. Deportation proceedings may now apply to foreigners who entered before age 13. In April 2024, a decree was adopted to provide for the fingerprint file to be interconnected with eight other French and European files. Measures such as immigration quotas, tightening family reunification conditions, conditioning certain rights to length of residence were rejected by the Constitutional Council.
To meet the new language requirements defined by the law, an initial scheme for enhanced language training towards level A2 now targets signatories of the Republican Integration Contract (CIR) and is currently being tested in selected French Departments. New arrivals who demonstrate achieving A1 level (previously exempt from language training) are now prescribed a 200‑hour course to achieve A2 level. Similarly, people who previously received between 100 and 600 hours of training to reach A1 level now receive a further 200 hours to reach A2 level. As a follow-up of a recent experimentation, a 400‑hour vocational language training package is offered in two French regions to CIR signatories who already have an A1 level in oral or written skills, and who have a professional project that will enable them to enter the job market quickly.
In 2023, the list of digitalised permit applications has been extended to first issuances and extensions of additional residence permit categories, including “Private and family life – Vulnerabilities” for foreign nationals who are victims of human trafficking, beneficiaries of a protection order, and foreign minors entrusted to the child welfare service. In 2023, French authorities simplified posted worker notification requirements to reduce the burden placed on employers when using the system.
In 2023, the Ministry of the Interior continued to roll out its comprehensive, individualised support programme for beneficiaries of international protection. This program, called “AGIR”, aims to provide systematic support in employment, housing and access to public services. By 2024, the programme is due to be rolled out nationwide.
For further information: www.immigration.interieur.gouv.fr | www.ofii.fr
