France bears €2 bln burden from 1968 Franco-Algerian accord

A confidential parliamentary report has exposed what lawmakers describe as a “costly imbalance” in Franco-Algerian relations, estimating that France spends €2 billion annually due to the 1968 migration accord, while Algeria continues to obstruct deportations and shirk financial obligations.

The agreement, signed six years after Algeria’s independence, was intended to facilitate labor migration during France’s economic boom. Today, critics argue it has morphed into a privilege system for Algerian nationals, granting rights far beyond those enjoyed by other foreigners.

The report, which circulated in French media, brands the treaty “anachronistic” and accuses Algiers of exploiting its benefits while refusing to honor reciprocal commitments.

France is paying the price of its own blindness, the authors state, noting Algeria’s persistent refusal to issue travel documents for nationals under expulsion orders (OQTF). This non-cooperation has rendered deportation procedures ineffective, despite repeated French concessions.

The €2 billion figure reflects social benefits, housing subsidies, and administrative costs linked to Algerian immigration. Key findings include: Immediate welfare access, social housing and a surge in family reunification cases. Algerians account for 24% of all family reunification requests, despite representing just 10.5% of the immigrant population. Rules remain lax: only minimum wage is required, compared to €1,900 for others.

Hospitals report millions in unpaid bills for Algerian patients treated outside bilateral frameworks, while France owes Algeria €430 million for cross-border medical services-debts Algeria has largely ignored.

Originally designed to supply labor, the accord now fuels family-based immigration. In 2024, 54.6% of Algerian residence permits were family-related, versus just 9.4% for employment, according to the report.

Integration remains poor: 38.9% of Algerians over 15 are neither employed nor in education, rising to 51.3% among women. Joblessness among second-generation Algerians far exceeds the national average.

Meanwhile, Algiers has shown little willingness to cooperate. Analysts say the Algerian regime leverages migration as a political tool, resisting reforms that would curb its citizens’ privileged status in France.