Residence permits, smugglers, fines... What the asylum-immigration bill contains

Jacques Serais, edited by Romain Rouillard 8:30 p.m., December 20, 2022

Immigration promises to occupy a prominent place in the executive's calendar for the start of the 2023 school year. Proof that the government wants to tackle this theme, the "asylum and immigration" bill will be presented to the Council of Ministers during the month of January.

This 25-page document is currently being scrutinized by the Council of State.

In its article 1, the text wants to emphasize a better integration of immigrants.

Today, a foreigner simply has to take French lessons in order to obtain a multi-year residence permit.

From now on, they will have to justify a minimum level in the mastery of the language of Molière.  

Fight against illegal work, punish smugglers more harshly 

This bill also intends to promote integration through work.

As such, a temporary residence permit could be issued to foreigners who work in shortage occupations.

A "talents, medical professions and pharmacy" residence permit is also provided.

In addition, any foreigner who has worked for at least one year in a health or medico-social establishment would be issued with a residence permit for a maximum period of four years. 

>>

- "They are essential": restaurant owners in favor of Darmanin's immigration bill

At the same time, this bill proposes to fight against illegal work by allowing prefects to impose fines on employers of up to €4,000 per undocumented foreigner.

Finally, the executive aims to punish smugglers more harshly by increasing the penalty incurred for facilitating the entry and stay of foreigners in an irregular situation as an organized gang.

It would no longer be a misdemeanor but a crime punishable by 20 years in prison.