Paris, France – The French National Assembly has approved a controversial legislative proposal aimed at automatically renewing long-term residency permits and permanent residency cards for eligible foreign residents. This move, passed despite opposition from the government, seeks to alleviate what proponents describe as chronic administrative delays that threaten the legal and social stability of thousands of legally residing foreigners in France.
The proposal was adopted with a vote of 98 to 37, primarily supported by left-leaning parliamentary blocs. Observers noted a significant absence of representatives from the ruling majority and the far-right. The bill now moves to the Senate for debate, potentially setting the stage for further political contention surrounding immigration policy.
Socialist MP Colette Capdevielle, who introduced the proposal, characterized the current administrative situation as “catastrophic and unjustified.” She highlighted that over 99% of residency permit renewal applications are ultimately approved, rendering the existing procedural complexities unnecessarily burdensome. Capdevielle emphasized the real-world consequences of the current system: “Difficulty obtaining appointments, months-long waiting periods, and overloaded digital platforms all lead to serious disruptions of rights.”
“The administration itself creates vulnerability,” Capdevielle stated, “even transforming legal residents into individuals without legal status.”
Reports detail the devastating impact of bureaucratic hurdles on residents’ lives, including job losses due to expired permits, housing insecurity, suspension of healthcare coverage, and difficulties opening bank accounts or enrolling children in schools. These cases are reportedly becoming increasingly common in legal aid centers and human rights organizations.
The proposed law focuses on the automatic renewal of specific residency permits, aiming to streamline the process and provide stability for long-term foreign residents.
The debate surrounding this legislation underscores the ongoing challenges France faces in balancing immigration control with the integration and well-being of its foreign-born population. DZWatch will continue to follow this developing story.
