In a significant development, the French Parliament has approved a new immigration law that imposes stringent restrictions on Nigerian students and other immigrants, preventing them from bringing their families to France. This move follows a similar policy enacted by the UK, signaling a trend of tightening immigration regulations across Europe.
According to reports by the BBC, the law, supported by both President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance party and Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, received approval after a previous draft was rejected last week. The revised law makes it more challenging for migrants to bring family members to France and introduces delays in accessing welfare benefits.
Key provisions of the immigration policy include a ban on detaining minors in detention centers and measures that certain French regions, including Paris, have expressed resistance against.
Notably, a contentious provision in the law discriminates between citizens and migrants, even those residing legally in the country, in determining eligibility for benefits.
Right-wing parties welcomed the amended bill, with Marine Le Pen describing it as an “ideological victory” for the far-right. Eric Ciotti, leader of the right-wing Republican party, lauded the law as “firm and courageous.” However, left-wing critics, including Socialist party leader Olivier Faure, accused President Macron of enabling the far-right, emphasizing the historical significance of the choices made.
The divisions within the governing alliance were exposed as 27 MPs voted against the law, and 32 abstained, representing almost a quarter of pro-Macron MPs. Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau resigned in protest at certain measures in the immigration law.
This development in France coincided with an EU agreement to reform the asylum system across its 27 member states. The new pact includes the creation of border detention centers and mechanisms for the expedited deportation of rejected asylum seekers.
The complex landscape of immigration policies in Europe continues to evolve, with nations grappling with the balance between security, economic considerations, and humanitarian concerns.
In a parallel narrative, the United Kingdom’s government had earlier, in May 2023, announced new restrictions affecting Nigerian and other international students studying in the country.
These restrictions aimed to address a staggering surge in net migration, reaching one million individuals. Conservative MPs called for urgent measures to regain control over immigration figures.
On the other side of the Atlantic, the Canadian government recently disclosed changes to financial requirements for international students. Starting January 2024, students must demonstrate new proof of funds amounting to $20,000, more than double the previous requirement. While this presents a financial challenge, the government extended the waiver on the 20-hour per week work cap for international students until April 30, 2024.
These global shifts in immigration policies underscore the dynamic nature of international relations and the complexities faced by individuals seeking educational opportunities and better lives in foreign countries.
