France tightens diplomatic sanctions against Algeria, bans entry to over 800 officials

French authorities have officially addressed to Algerian authorities a list of 800 members of the Algerian ruling class, who are now banned from entering France unless they provide a valid administrative justification, reported the news outlet sahel-intelligence.

The list includes members of the administration, politicians, and military officials.

This measure, which comes as part of diplomatic tensions over geopolitical issues, and which follows other measures including thorough investigations by various intelligence services into the real estate and bank accounts directly or indirectly owned by Algerian officials in France, marks a turning point in relations between France and Algeria.

The 800 personalities banned from entry to France had privileges associated with their diplomatic passports, allowing them to travel to France without restrictions for private or personal matters. From now on, to enter French soil they will have to justify the official nature of their trip, by providing valid documents, such as an official mission order, detailing the specific reasons for their trip to France.

The French authorities have officially notified their Algerian counterparts of this new policy to avoid any embarrassing or humiliating situations when these leaders arrive in France. As a result, they are now informed that they must have clear and verifiable administrative documents to avoid embarrassment upon arrival in France.

These targeted sanctions come in a climate of political tensions that has been ongoing for several years. Algeria and France are at odds, particularly on foreign policy issues, notably the Sahara issue and France’s backing to Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory. The two sides have also notable disagreements over the management of the migration crisis and the impact of illegal migration flows in Europe.

This decision is part of a set of “sanctions” and “gradual retaliations” that France plans to implement as part of its diplomatic standoff with the Algerian government.

France sends a strong signal to the Algerian government, by preventing these individuals from entering French territory for unofficial reasons, a move that could further exacerbate already complicated bilateral relations.

While the situation remains volatile and complex, this measure demonstrates France’s clear intent to respond to increasingly pronounced geopolitical disputes, while maintaining order and security on its territory.