The French government unveiled in December the final version of the bill “to control immigration and improve integration”, which will soon be debated.
The project aims to facilitate the deportation of persons in an irregular situation while opening up the possibility of recruiting migrants in certain areas.
The new text will increase sanctions against illegal work, a fine of 4,000 euros for the employment of an irregular person. In case of recidivism within two years, the fine will be doubled.
Applicants for residence permits, or holders applying for renewal, will have to demonstrate that they comply with the principles of the Republic, which include “freedom of expression and conscience, equality between citizens, in particular equality between women and men, freedom of sexual orientation, the dignity of the human person, symbols of the Republic and the fact of not invoking one’s beliefs or convictions to circumvent the rules”. common rules governing relations between public services and individuals”.
Residence permits for occupations with tension should be introduced. A priori, this mainly concerns construction and medical professions, but the current list of professions in shortage could expand considerably.
Employers who hire foreigners will have to consider as working time the French courses taken by their employees. Currently, only employees who have obtained a residence permit as part of a special authorization to work in a company that has not recruited in France are obliged to participate in French courses organized by the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII).
Asylum seekers will be able to work immediately after submitting their application, whereas currently they have to wait at least six months.
The bill also focuses on the care of immigrants who arrived illegally in France and detained in transit zones. Currently, judges must rule within 24 hours on the situation of those immigrants who could apply for asylum or had to be returned to the border. This period will be extended to 48 hours.
It should also become possible to immediately expel from French territory an irregular person convicted of serious violence against a member of the security forces, proven domestic violence, aggravated robbery, theft committed with the help of minors or theft committed in a group in a dwelling.
Persons who have already received, in the five years preceding the application, an Obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) will not be able to apply for a visa for the France.