Algeria has strongly condemned France’s recent move to activate the “visa-for-deportation” mechanism, calling it a serious breach of international agreements and a violation of fundamental human rights.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that the policy, which ties the issuance of visas to the acceptance of deportation orders, is “a blatant violation” of the 1968 Algerian-French agreement as well as the 1950 European Convention on Human Rights.
“This measure constitutes a flagrant breach of both the Algerian-French Agreement of 1968 and the European Convention on Human Rights of 1950,” the Ministry stated.
The move has heightened diplomatic tensions between the two nations, with Algeria expressing firm opposition to what it views as coercive and discriminatory practices targeting its citizens residing in France.
The Foreign Ministry reiterated Algeria’s unwavering commitment to its consular responsibilities, especially in safeguarding the rights and welfare of Algerian nationals abroad.
“Algeria reaffirms that it will continue to fulfill its duty of consular protection in favour of its citizens in France,” the statement continued. “It will work to assist them in defending their rights and ensure full respect for the protections afforded to them under both French and European laws against all forms of abuse and violation.”
The policy in question, introduced by French authorities, is designed to pressure countries to accept the return of undocumented migrants by restricting visas for their nationals.
Critics, however, argue that it unfairly penalises law-abiding residents and jeopardises international legal frameworks designed to protect migrants’ rights.
As diplomatic discourse intensifies, Algeria’s pledge to defend its diaspora underscores the growing friction between national immigration policies and international human rights obligations.
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