After several postponements, the FA unveiled its draft immigration rule at the Council of Ministers on Wednesday. This law has created a real controversy, given its multitude of facets regarding the migration issue.
This law provides for several measures regarding migrants, including the creation of a specific residence permit for foreign doctors.
This bill has two main facets: on the one hand, measures will be taken to facilitate the expulsion of so-called “delinquent” foreigners. On the other hand, residence permits will be granted to undocumented employees working in “high-demand occupations”, such as tourism, catering, home help, hotels, and professionals in the field of medicine and pharmacy.
Article 7 of this bill has raised concerns in some African countries that the benefits that health professionals will receive may lead to an exodus of these professionals and thus reduce access to medical services for African populations.
In this respect, opponents have expressed that France cannot limit illegal immigration by depriving the countries of origin of their human resources, but it is necessary to conclude agreements with these countries to participate in the training of their professionals and to meet the medical needs of their populations.