France Tightens Visas for Algerian Diplomats
The crisis worsened in February after the arrest of a man France had tried for years to deport for a deadly knife attack in Mulhouse that killed one person
Interior Minister Gerald Retailleau has persistently called for re-negotiating visa and migration policies with Algeria. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered stricter visa restrictions on Algerian diplomats as tensions rise over deportations. It is a new low in the tense relations between Paris and Algiers.
In a letter to Prime Minister François Bayrou, seen by Reuters, Macron said that France was faced with mounting migration and security problems blamed on Algeria. He called for a tough line on the former French colony.
Macron ordered Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to notify Algeria officially of the suspension of a 2013 agreement. The agreement allowed Algerian officials and holders of diplomatic passports to visit France without visas.
The president also ordered Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau to liaise with other Schengen zone countries to effect the new measures. He requested them to consult France before issuing short-stay visas to Algerian officials who had been included under the now-suspended agreement.
France must be powerful and respected,” Macron said. “It can obtain this from its partners only if it appears to them with the respect it demands from them. This elementary rule is also valid for Algeria.”
Relations between the two nations have been strained since July 2024, when France recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. Algeria opposes Morocco’s bid for the disputed territory and views France’s move as a betrayal.
Tensions escalated in November, when Algerian police arrested Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. The crisis worsened in February after the arrest of a man France had tried for years to deport for a deadly knife attack in Mulhouse that killed one person and injured three.
Interior Minister Gerald Retailleau has persistently called for re-negotiating visa and migration policies with Algeria. His demands intensified after Algerian authorities refused to accept citizens France wished to deport under the “OQTF” system — French for Obligation de Quitter le Territoire Français.
Macron’s new directive is a toughening position. By suspending the visa exemption and involving other European nations, France is increasing pressure on Algeria to accept persons it desires to deport.
The dispute points to deeper tensions between the two countries, rooted in history, geopolitics, and immigration policy. With both sides entrenching themselves, there is no sign the rift will close soon.
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