New Work Permit Regulations in France to Take Effect in September
Key Points
1. Stricter Immigration Rules: France has introduced stricter immigration rules aimed at addressing issues related to foreign workers.
2. Employer Regulations: The new measures include tighter controls and fines for employers who hire immigrants.
3. Improving Living Conditions: The immigration law is designed to improve the living conditions for immigrants.
The new immigration law in France, which introduces tighter regulations for foreign workers, will take effect on September 1, 2024. Under this law, all three parties involved in hiring a foreign worker — the employer, the client, and the host company — must comply with specific requirements for a work permit to be granted.
The law stipulates that employers must not have any criminal convictions or administrative sanctions related to illegal employment practices, such as facilitating illegal entry or stay in France, causing harm to individuals, or using forged documents.
New Immigration Measures to Protect Vulnerable Workers
Starting in September, French authorities will deny work permits if the hiring project does not align with the employer’s business activities. For seasonal workers, there is an additional requirement to prove that the worker will have accommodation meeting "decent living conditions." This measure aims to prevent the inhumane conditions that seasonal workers from third countries have reportedly faced in the past.
Fines for Non-Compliance with Work Permit Renewal Rules
The same conditions apply for renewing a work permit, including regulations for apprentices whose employers are based outside France. In such cases, the host company is responsible for ensuring the work permit is obtained within a clear and legitimate framework. Employers who fail to meet these requirements may have their applications rejected and be fined up to €20,750 per worker.
Residence Permits and Citizenship for Algerians, Moroccans, and Tunisians
In 2023, Algerians, along with Moroccans and Tunisians, were among the main beneficiaries of French residence permits. France issued a total of 336,954 residence permits that year, with Moroccans receiving 11.2% (36,648 permits) of the total, making them the largest group. Algerians followed, receiving 31,943 permits or 9.7% of the total. Moroccan nationals also led in obtaining French citizenship, with 8,017 acquiring citizenship in 2023, although this was an 18.3% decrease from 2022.
Moroccans, Algerians, and Tunisians were also the top nationalities for acquiring French citizenship, with 8,071 Moroccans, 6,737 Algerians, and 3,841 Tunisians obtaining citizenship in 2023.