The new immigration law in France, which aims to tighten rules for foreign workers, will enter into force as of September 1, 2024.
This means that in order for the French authorities to grant a work permit, all three parties – the employer, the client, and the host company- will be taken into account, Schengen.News reports.
The new law states that an employer cannot have any criminal conviction or administrative sanction related to helping an employee enter or stay illegally in France, causing harm to human beings and using forged documents.
New Immigration Measures in France Aim at Protecting Vulnerable Workers
As of September, French authorities will refuse work permits if the recruitment project is not appropriate to the employer’s economic activity.
In cases of seasonal workers, applicants must provide evidence that the worker will have accommodation that has “decent living conditions.”
This measure has been much needed as there were reports that seasonal workers from third countries have lived in poor and nearly inhumane conditions in the past.
Failing to Comply With Rules for Renewal of Work Permit Can Result in Over €20,000 Fine
Since the same conditions apply for renewing a work permit, there are also some regulations that apply to apprentices whose employers are based outside of France.
In such a case, the host company bears the responsibility for the work permit within a legitimate and clear framework.
Those that do not meet the requirements, will have their application rejected and also be fined up to €20,750 per worker.
Algerians Were Among Main Beneficiaries for French Residence Permits in 2023
Altogether with Moroccans and Tunisians, Algerians were granted most first residence permits for the year. Similar results emerge for French citizenship beneficiaries.
France has granted 336,954 residence permits in 2023 with Moroccans being issued 11.2 per cent (36,648) of them, as the top nationality for permits granted. Algerians follow second with 31,943 permits granted or 9.7 per cent of the total. In addition, Moroccan nationals obtained French citizenship the most – 8,017 in total, down by 18.3 per cent compared to 2022.
The Maghrebi nationals also stood out for obtaining French citizenship, having the highest count of acquisitions. A total of 8,071 Moroccans obtained French citizenship in 2023 while 6,737 were Algerians. Tunisians were the third most common nationality that obtained French citizenship for the year – a total of 3,841.
