After a period of relative stagnation, the issue of Algerian migration to France has returned to the forefront of political and diplomatic attention. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the launch of a new round of bilateral consultations aimed at reorganizing the procedures for repatriating Algerian nationals residing in France, alongside an in-depth review of the 1968 agreement, which has long served as the primary legal framework governing migration relations between the two countries.
In statements to Le Journal du Dimanche, Nuñez emphasized that the consultations are not intended to address isolated cases, but rather to establish a sustainable cooperation framework that allows for the execution of removal decisions under clear and consistent rules. The minister added that a French delegation recently visited Algeria as part of the preparatory work for this dialogue, with a possible official visit to follow, while acknowledging that Algerian authorities have not yet resumed receiving repatriated nationals. This highlights the complex political and diplomatic dimensions of the issue.
At the same time, France has initiated a review of the 1968 agreement amid ongoing domestic debates about the relevance of a decades-old text that grants Algerians specific rights regarding employment, residence, and family reunification. This approach reflects Paris’s attempt to avoid diplomatic friction with Algeria, while the French Parliament continues to advocate for stricter migration policies through successive recommendations.
Political and Legal Dimensions
From France’s domestic perspective, the 1968 agreement is now seen as an outdated text that no longer fully reflects current social and economic realities, particularly in the context of debates on immigration and integration. While some call for its complete repeal, others argue that a targeted revision could preserve cooperation with Algeria and prevent diplomatic tensions.
For Algeria, these negotiations represent a test of the authorities’ ability to manage a sensitive issue affecting the rights of its citizens abroad and to assert national sovereignty over the reception of nationals subject to removal orders. The current Algerian reluctance to resume repatriations reflects a combination of political caution and internal considerations linked to the legacy of independence and domestic policy priorities.
A Long-Term Historical Legacy
The 1968 Franco-Algerian agreement was more than a migration text; it was a major historical document embedded in the post-colonial context and France’s economic needs following World War II. It granted Algerians exceptional rights unavailable to other migrants, making it a persistent point of political and legal debate.
Subsequent amendments, particularly the 2001 modification, sought to adapt the agreement to evolving social realities by facilitating family reunification, access to education and employment, and the acquisition of French nationality. Nevertheless, the current debate questions the adequacy of this framework in light of domestic political pressures and the need to maintain a stable partnership with a historically sensitive country.
Between Technicalities and Politics: Testing Bilateral Relations
The central question remains: can technical consultations on repatriation and the agreement’s revision evolve into a sustainable political compromise? The ability of both parties to move beyond symbolic and historical dimensions will be decisive.
At this stage, France appears keen to avoid unilateral measures that could trigger tensions, while Algeria maintains a cautious stance. Any tangible progress will depend on both countries’ capacity to manage this issue within a long-term negotiation framework that respects mutual rights and obligations.
