The Interior Ministry has launched an administrative investigation into the NGO France Terre d’Asile after security services alleged that its staff distributed Islamic prayer mats and literature inside the Mesnil-Amelot immigration detention centre north-east of Paris. Le Parisien broke the story late on 4 July. A confidential note from the Direction nationale du renseignement territorial (DNRT) claims that, on 2 June, a staff break room was turned into an improvised prayer area complete with a dozen rugs and copies of the Koran. Posters advertising Friday sermons were reportedly printed using the association’s office equipment. Mesnil-Amelot is France’s largest CRA (centre de rétention administrative), holding up to 240 foreign nationals awaiting deportation. NGOs are permitted to provide legal and social assistance but are barred from religious activities. France Terre d’Asile denies any organised proselytism, saying materials were detainees’ personal belongings. While the case will have little direct effect on business immigration, it underscores the government’s tougher stance on detention management following December’s immigration-law overhaul. Companies sponsoring foreign talent should expect closer scrutiny of removal orders and of partners working inside CRAs.
Source: Le Parisien
