French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez addressed what he termed the "intentional and misleading" use of clauses from the 1968 migration agreement between Algeria and France by right-wing and far-right factions. Mr. Nuñez intervened directly to clarify the true scope and limitations of this long-standing bilateral accord. Nuñez's intervention responded to a written question (No. 01567) registered on October 10, 2024, from Senator Fabien Gény of the right-wing Republicans party. The French Interior Minister's detailed response, published in the official journal of the French Senate on September 3, 2026, explicitly stated that the senator's claim was incorrect. Nuñez clarified that the Franco-Algerian agreement, signed on December 27, 1968, concerning migration, employment, study, and residence for Algerian nationals and their families in France, contains no reference to Algeria's obligation to receive its deported nationals. This clarification aimed to dispel misconceptions surrounding the pact's provisions.
Senator's Claim Refuted
Senator Fabien Gény attempted to include a clause within the 1968 migration agreement, asserting that it obliged Algeria to receive its deported nationals. Senator Gény further claimed that Algeria had suspended this obligation since early 2023, leading to complications in France's deportation efforts. However, the French Interior Minister's clarification indicates this claim is incorrect regarding the 1968 pact itself. The legal text relevant to the senator's inquiry is not the 1968 agreement, but rather the Consular Convention signed between France and Algeria on April 27, 1994. This convention outlines the framework for consular relations and related agreements between the two nations, providing the specific legal basis for addressing issues concerning nationals and their return. The Minister's statement showed the importance of referencing the correct legal instruments when discussing such sensitive diplomatic matters.
Migration Trends and Diplomatic Shifts
Deportations from France to Algeria experienced a decline starting in 2020, a trend primarily attributed to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the associated travel restrictions. This period saw a significant reduction in the movement of people between the two countries. A gradual return to normalcy was observed in March 2022, which coincided with an increase in consular permits issued by Algerian diplomatic missions operating in France. This upward trend in permit issuance continued through 2023 and into early 2024, signaling a resumption of regular consular activities and migration flows.
However, 2024 marked a significant shift in diplomatic relations between the two nations. The year witnessed the most complex political and diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria since Algeria gained independence in 1962. This period of heightened tension directly impacted migration procedures, resulting in a substantial drop in the number of consular permits issued. The decline brought the issuance of these essential documents to their lowest levels, reflecting the broader challenges in bilateral relations during that time and severely hampering the return of Algerian nationals from France.
Reviewing the 1968 Agreement
A committee has been formed to review the 1968 migration agreement, acting on directives from the President and Prime Minister, with the goal of establishing common positions on outstanding issues between France and Algeria. This development follows previous calls for a re-evaluation of the pact, including one by former French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe. Mr. Philippe, who currently leads the right-wing "Horizons" party, had advocated for a full review of the agreement to modernize its provisions and align them with current realities. Consular cooperation between the two nations has since resumed, indicating a thawing of the recent diplomatic freeze. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez visited Algeria in February of the current year (2026), marking a restart in these key diplomatic exchanges and signaling a renewed commitment to addressing bilateral issues through dialogue. This ongoing review process aims to ensure that future migration frameworks are mutually beneficial and clearly understood by both parties.
