For expats already living in France and those planning to move long-term, the country’s evolving immigration laws are crucial to understand. With the 2025 immigration reform, France aims to address modern challenges, balancing labor market needs with stricter migration controls. This new law could impact expats by altering residency pathways, work opportunities, and integration requirements, reshaping their future in France.
A historical overview of immigration legislation in France
France’s approach to immigration has evolved significantly over the decades, reflecting societal, economic, and political shifts. Since World War II, the country has implemented numerous immigration laws aimed at managing the flow of migrants, addressing labor shortages, and ensuring integration.
Post-war period and the creation of immigration policies (1945-1973)
After World War II, France faced labor shortages and began welcoming workers from Southern Europe, North Africa, and other regions. The foundational text, the 1945 Ordinance, established the first formal immigration policies, prioritising economic needs while also setting up mechanisms for control and integration. This ordinance served as a cornerstone for subsequent legislation, emphasising the dual goals of encouraging economic recovery while regulating immigration flows. Temporary work permits and specific agreements with countries such as Algeria, Italy, and Spain were introduced to facilitate labor migration.
By the early 1970s, France had become one of the most significant destinations for migrants in Europe. However, the economic downturn following the 1973 oil crisis marked a turning point. The suspension of labor migration in 1974, under President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, signalled a shift from open policies to tighter controls. While family reunification was still allowed, stricter measures were implemented to curb irregular immigration. The introduction of deportation policies and residency permits became critical tools for managing migration during this era.
Legislative changes from the 1980s to the early 2000s
The 1980s saw a complex interplay between liberalisation and restriction in French immigration policy. The 1981 Bonnet Law, named after Minister of the Interior Christian Bonnet, aimed to combat irregular immigration by strengthening deportation measures and imposing stricter controls. However, this law also maintained pathways for legal migration, ensuring a balance between enforcement and humanitarian concerns.
Subsequent legislation, such as the 1984 Joxe Law under Minister Pierre Joxe, marked a more progressive approach. This law improved the rights of immigrants, particularly in areas like family reunification and residency. It reflected growing recognition of the need to integrate long-term migrants into French society. Measures included granting permanent residency status to certain groups and providing greater legal protections for families.
The 1990s witnessed a political and social environment increasingly focused on immigration control. The Pasqua Laws of 1993, introduced by Interior Minister Charles Pasqua, epitomised this trend by tightening regulations on entry, residency, and naturalisation. These laws required migrants to meet more stringent criteria for obtaining residency permits and restricted pathways to citizenship. The measures were controversial, sparking debates over their impact on human rights and social cohesion.
In contrast, the Chevènement Law of 1998, named after Interior Minister Jean-Pierre Chevènement, represented a shift toward moderation. This legislation softened some of the harsher provisions of the Pasqua Laws, particularly concerning the regularisation of undocumented migrants. It sought to balance control with compassion, providing clearer pathways for migrants to legalise their status while maintaining border security.
The early 2000s marked a period of heightened regulation under President Nicolas Sarkozy. The 2006 Law on Immigration and Integration introduced integration contracts (Contrats d’Accueil et d’Intégration) as prerequisites for residency. These contracts required migrants to demonstrate language proficiency and cultural adaptation, reinforcing the idea that integration was a responsibility shared by both the state and the individual. Additionally, this law tightened family reunification policies, making it more challenging for migrants to bring relatives to France.
Recent developments (2010-2023)
In the past decade, French immigration policy has continued to adapt to evolving challenges, including increased migration flows, EU directives, and domestic political pressures. The 2011 Besson Law redefined asylum procedures, accelerating expulsion processes for undocumented migrants while streamlining the asylum application system. Critics argued that these measures prioritised efficiency over fairness, raising concerns about the rights of asylum seekers.
The 2016 Asylum and Immigration Law sought to harmonise French policy with EU standards, introducing stricter rules for asylum applications while improving conditions for recognised refugees. Key provisions included reducing the time frame for asylum applications and providing enhanced support for integration, such as housing and language training. However, the law also increased penalties for undocumented migrants, reflecting a dual approach to migration management.
The 2018 Asylum and Immigration Law further exemplified this balancing act. While it reduced the asylum application period from 120 days to 90 days, it also extended detention durations for undocumented migrants from 45 days to 90 days. Proponents argued that these changes would improve administrative efficiency and deter irregular migration. However, critics highlighted the potential human rights implications, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and families.
Throughout these decades, immigration laws in France have mirrored broader societal debates about national identity, economic needs, and international obligations. The ongoing challenge remains finding a balance between openness and control, integration and enforcement, and national interests and global responsibilities.

The new immigration law for 2025
In early 2025, the French government is set to present a new immigration reform, marking the 119th immigration-related legislative text since 1945. This proposed law, spearheaded by Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, aims to address contemporary challenges in immigration and integration.
Key objectives of the 2025 reform
Balancing economic needs and migration controls: One of the central goals of the reform is to reconcile France’s economic needs with migration management. As certain sectors face acute labor shortages, the law proposes creating specific pathways for skilled workers, particularly in industries such as construction, healthcare, and hospitality.
Combating irregular immigration: The reform emphasises stricter measures against irregular immigration. Proposals include:
- Expedited deportation processes: Simplifying and accelerating the removal of individuals who do not meet residency criteria.
- Enhanced border controls: Increasing resources for monitoring France’s external borders.
Facilitating integration: Recognising the importance of integration, the new law proposes:
- Language proficiency requirements: Mandatory French language courses for certain migrants.
- Civic education programs: Expanding programs that familiarise migrants with French laws, values, and culture.
Humanitarian considerations: While emphasising control, the law aims to preserve humanitarian commitments by ensuring the rights of asylum seekers and improving processing times for their applications.
Controversial provisions and public debate
The proposed reform has generated significant debate. Supporters argue that it strikes a pragmatic balance, addressing labor shortages while maintaining control over migration flows. Critics, however, express concerns about the potential impact on human rights, particularly regarding expedited deportation processes. Advocacy groups warn that such measures could disproportionately affect vulnerable individuals.
Comparisons to past laws
Unlike previous laws that leaned heavily toward restriction or liberalisation, the 2025 reform seeks a balance. By addressing labor market needs while enforcing stricter controls, the law reflects a nuanced approach to managing migration in a globalised world.

France’s international commitments and the global context
France’s immigration policies operate within a complex framework of domestic priorities and international commitments, reflecting its position as a global and European leader. These commitments shape how France balances national sovereignty with its obligations to international treaties and agreements.
European union regulations
As a member of the European Union, France is bound by EU-wide regulations governing asylum, migration, and border management. The Schengen Agreement, one of the EU’s cornerstone policies, facilitates the free movement of people across participating countries. While this enhances mobility for citizens and residents, it also necessitates stringent controls at the EU’s external borders to manage immigration flows. France is a key player in the Frontex program, the EU’s border and coast guard agency, which aims to prevent unauthorised entries while ensuring humane treatment of migrants.
France also complies with the Dublin Regulation, which determines the EU member state responsible for processing an asylum application. This often places France in a challenging position, as its geographic proximity to Mediterranean migration routes makes it a primary destination for asylum seekers arriving in Europe.
Bilateral agreements
France’s relationships with countries such as Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia are pivotal in managing migration flows. These ties are rooted in historical and economic connections, particularly with nations that were once part of the French colonial empire. Bilateral agreements with these countries cover a range of issues, including work permits, student exchanges, and family reunification policies. For instance, partnerships allow streamlined processes for nationals of these countries to study or work in France, while also setting frameworks for the repatriation of undocumented migrants.
Global humanitarian obligations
France is a signatory to key international treaties, including the 1951 Refugee Convention, which mandates protections for those fleeing persecution. Balancing these commitments with domestic political pressures remains a critical challenge, underscoring France’s role in shaping global migration policies.
A new era for French immigration policy?
The 2025 immigration reform marks a significant shift in France’s approach to migration, with its focus on economic needs, stricter controls, and integration measures. Expats already residing in France may face new requirements, while prospective migrants could see both opportunities and challenges in navigating the updated system. Understanding these changes will be essential for those looking to build a long-term life in France, ensuring smooth transitions and informed decisions.