France has put in place entry and movement restrictions for Algerian officials amid the ongoing diplomatic tension due to the lack of cooperation by the authorities of Algeria in the readmission of its nationals.
The announcement of the decision was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, Jean-Noël Barrot. He said that measures restricting the movement and entry to the French territory for certain Algerian officials have been implemented, Schengen.News reports.
Measures restricting movement and access to the national territory for certain Algerian dignitaries have been taken.
Despite France deciding to impose such a restriction on Algerian officials, Minister Barrot clarified that the measure is not permanent.
As local media have explained, Minister Barrot said that the entry and movement restriction on Algerian officials will be dropped as soon as the Algerian authorities respond to France’s call for cooperation.
These are measures that are reversible and will end as soon as the cooperation we are calling for resumes.
The same stressed that the measure aims to defend the interests of France and ensure national security.
The diplomatic tension between France and Algeria has worsened following Algeria’s multiple refusals to take back its expelled nationals.
Minister Barrot Aims to Propose Limited Visa Issuance for Algerian Nationals at EU Level
In addition to the above-mentioned, France wants to also impose visa restrictions on Algerian passport holders.
Minister Barrot said today that he would propose to the member states limit visa issuance at the EU level for nationals of countries refusing to take back their expelled nationals.
While Minister Barrot did not say that the proposal is aimed against Algerian nationals, given the current situation and the context, it is understood between the lines that France aims to limit visas for Algerians.
If a country does not cooperate with the French authorities, I will propose that all European countries at the same time can restrict their issuing of visas. When we do it on a national level, unfortunately, it does not work.
The leader of the French far-right National Rally party, Jordan Bardella, has also proposed a similar measure. At the beginning of this month, Bardella proposed that France implement a “zero visa” policy for Algerians.
According to Bardella, if Algeria continues to refuse to cooperate in the repatriation of its nationals who have received an order to leave the French territory, visa issuance should be suspended altogether and not only just for certain groups of Algerians.
