French President Emmanuel Macron has instructed his government to tighten visa restrictions on Algerian diplomats as tensions escalate over Algeria’s refusal to accept the deportation of its nationals from France.
Macron cited growing migration and security challenges with Algeria, calling for a firmer stance towards the former French colony, according to a Reuters report.
He directed Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to formally notify Algiers of France’s suspension of a 2013 agreement that allowed diplomatic and official passport holders from Algeria to enter France without visas.
Macron also asked Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau to coordinate with Schengen zone countries to ensure stricter enforcement, urging them to consult France before issuing short-stay visas to Algerian officials covered under the suspended accord.
What Macron said:
“France must be strong and command respect. It can only receive this from its partners if it shows them the respect it demands from them. This basic rule also applies to Algeria,” Macron said.
Diplomatic relations between Paris and Algiers have frayed since July 2024, when France recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a disputed territory Algeria staunchly supports in favour of Sahrawi independence.
Interior Minister Retailleau has since intensified calls to reassess France’s migration and visa agreements with Algeria, citing the country’s persistent refusal to repatriate its nationals subject to deportation orders under the “OQTF” (obligation to leave French territory) regime.