Numbers of asylum seekers in France close to pre-Covid record
Nearly 131,000 people asked for asylum in France in 2022 – a 27 % increase from the year before and close to the record high from before the Covid pandemic.
ofpra
French Presidential Election 2022: The issue of 'seeking asylum from abroad'
Having to apply for asylum from abroad is not a new idea, but for some time it has been brandished as the big solution in the fight against irregular immigration. Defended by far-right candidates Marine Le Pen and Éric Zemmour as well as right-wing candidate Valérie Pécresse for Les Républicains, the measure is, however, contrary to international law.
France: 'Precarious' employment conditions for refugees
Around 42% of refugees settled in France manage to find a job within a year of obtaining official status. But the jobs they find are often far below their skill levels, resulting in a "professional downgrade" that leads to discontent and exhaustion.
France: Many Bangladeshi asylum claims rejected without hearing
Many Bangladeshis in France have complained that since the start of the year their asylum applications have been dismissed by order without a hearing at the National Asylum Court (CNDA). Lawyers say these automatic rejections have become commonplace.
Afghan repatriated to France taken into custody for suspected links with Taliban
An Afghan recently repatriated to France after the Taliban took power on August 15 has been taken into custody because of his alleged links with the Islamist fighters. Four of his relatives are under surveillance by France's General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI).
First flights of Afghan evacuees land in Paris
A plane carrying 184 Afghan civilians landed at Roissy Charles-de-Gaulle airport, near Paris, on Wednesday. A further 180 Afghans touched down on Thursday evening. Didier Leschi, director general of the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII), explains to InfoMigrants how these emergency evacuations are organized and what will happen to these refugees now.
Life on the move in Europe: Migrants in Paris speak out
Many asylum seekers in Europe share similar experiences of spending years on the streets and bouncing between different countries in the European Union, unable to obtain official status and to start rebuilding their lives. InfoMigrants spoke to several migrants who are currently in Paris.
'FinDaWay': New app to help asylum seekers in France
A new app has been launched in southern France to help asylum seekers with their administrative status, accommodation, health or even their everyday needs. It's available in six languages.
'Deportation is not automatic' for migrants when asylum protection status is withdrawn
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced last week that he had stripped 147 'radicalized' migrants of their refugee status. This announcement causes legal issues, particularly regarding its implementation. It also raises questions about the impartiality of Ofpra, the body responsible for granting international protection.
How will France's asylum services work during lockdown?
France has entered a new COVID-19 lockdown until December 1. President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to keep the country's public services running, including the asylum services. While authorities have adapted safety measures, there are some things to keep in mind. InfoMigrants took a look.
Fact-check of the asylum process in France following the beheading of a teacher
Following the October 16 beheading of a French schoolteacher by a Chechen refugee in the Parisian suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, several media reports and statements by politicians have featured factually inaccurate or false information concerning the right to asylum in France. InfoMigrants examined and fact-checked these statements.
Asylum in France: Exceptional administrative procedures due to coronavirus
Due to the nationwide lockdown in France, some administrative services are suspended and some exceptional measures have been put in place. InfoMigrants takes a look at services dealing with the rights of foreigners.