France has announced plans to introduce a new immigration law in early 2025, less than a year after implementing its previous law in January 2024, News About Nigeria reports.
Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon explained that updates are necessary to adapt several legal provisions, and the draft law will be prepared for parliamentary review at the start of the year.
The announcement comes amid growing controversy over immigration in France, particularly following the killing of a young woman in Paris by an illegal migrant who had been issued a deportation order that the French police had delayed enforcing.
The proposed law seeks to tighten regulations on illegal migration and address public safety issues.
Among the anticipated changes is an extension of the detention period for people considered threats to public order, with possible increases from 90 to 210 days.
Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government is expected to face challenges in passing the legislation due to its lack of a parliamentary majority.
Gabriel Attal, Barnier’s predecessor and now leader in parliament of Macron’s Renaissance party, said on Monday that a new law on immigration did not seem a “total priority.”
“Adopting a law for the sake of a law makes no sense,” he told broadcaster France inter.
He said “the priority is to act so that the state can truly control who enters and leaves” France.
Newly appointed Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has declared support for tougher immigration controls, while opposition leaders remain divided.
Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure criticised the proposal as leaning toward far-right influence, while Marine Le Pen of the National Rally (RN) warned that her party might consider a no-confidence vote if stricter immigration measures are not enacted.
