A diplomatic row that had been building for days between Paris and Algiers reached a head on 22-23 July when President Emmanuel Macron publicly contradicted remarks made by France’s ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, about future visa volumes. Speaking during the 23 July cabinet meeting, the French head of state said that “no numerical target has been set for Algerian visas and there will be no laxity on the matter.” The statement was a direct rebuttal of Romatet’s 17 July interview in which the envoy predicted that France would “gradually return to 250,000 visas per year” for Algerian nationals, the level that prevailed before the 2021-2022 diplomatic freeze. Macron’s clarification reflects two overlapping pressures. Domestically, right-wing and far-right parties had seized upon Romatet’s comments as proof that the government was easing immigration controls ahead of the 2027 presidential race. Internationally, Paris is still repairing relations with Algiers after a bruising three-year period marked by reduced consular staff, tighter visa quotas and disputes over deportations of Algerian nationals subject to removal orders. Government spokeswoman Maud Brégeon told reporters that visa issuance is guided only by “objective security, economic and migratory criteria.” Officials at the Quai d’Orsay added that Franco-Algerian talks are focusing on strengthening consular capacity—long appointment delays remain a key bottleneck—rather than on quota setting. According to interior-ministry statistics, France delivered just over 100,000 Algerian Schengen visas in 2025, down from roughly 275,000 in 2019. For companies moving talent between France and Algeria, the statement keeps uncertainty alive. Multinationals had hoped for a predictable timetable for reinstating pre-crisis visa volumes, but HR teams must now continue planning for extended lead-times in securing short-stay business visas and long-stay work permits. Travel managers are advised to monitor French consular announcements and to budget extra weeks for appointment scheduling, especially during peak summer demand. Legal advisers also note that the French parliament is currently debating a bill that would introduce tighter return-obligation enforcement—another sign that Paris wants to appear tough on immigration ahead of the 2027 elections. In the meantime, companies should brief Algerian assignees about realistic processing times and maintain alternative mobility options such as remote work or assignments via third-country hubs.
Source: Afriquinfos / TF1 Info
