Professional immigration to France—situated at the crossroads of legal, economic, and political issues—remains at the center of ongoing debate and current events. Just recently, France announced the possibility of restricting work visas for Algerian nationals amid rising diplomatic tensions and suspending visa exemptions for holders of Algerian diplomatic passports.

In 2024, France issued 2,858,083 visas, a 16.8% increase over 2023. This growth was driven primarily by short-stay visas, particularly for tourism (+24.6%) and economic reasons (+12.0%).

The top nationalities among visa applicants in 2024 reflect shifting migration dynamics: Chinese, Moroccan, Indian, Algerian, Turkish, Russian, Saudi, Tunisian, Lebanese, and Filipino nationals were among the most represented.
This diversity underscores France’s continued attractiveness to a wide variety of profiles—tourists, professionals (salaried workers, secondees, self-employed individuals, investors), and students.

These trends unfold against a complex political and socio-economic backdrop. The re-election of Donald Trump in the United States has reinforced restrictive migration policies, influencing the flow of skilled workers toward Europe. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine has resulted in a significant influx of refugees and temporary workers seeking protection in France. Together, these developments have intensified tensions in an already strained French labor market, marked by shortages in key sectors and growing competition for talent.

In response to these challenges, French immigration law and policy must continue to evolve. A recent joint report by the European Migration Network and the OECD highlights initiatives across the EU to attract international talent, particularly in healthcare, IT, research, and engineering.

1. Persistent Operational Difficulties in Residence Permit Processing

Across the board, immigration professionals, HR directors, and recruitment managers agree: professional immigration procedures—especially for residence permits (first applications, renewals, changes of status)—remain highly complex.

Some notable issues include:

Challenges with the Digital Administration for Foreigners in France (ANEF)

In a report dated December 11, 2024, the Défenseur des Droits (Ombudsman) detailed numerous issues with ANEF, noting that despite good intentions, the platform falls short of simplifying procedures and instead exacerbates existing problems. Problems include persistent technical bugs, confusing design, staggered rollouts, and inadequate user support, even though the platform is now mandatory.

Ongoing delays at the Préfecture

These delays occur at multiple stages: difficulty booking appointments, slow issuance of residence permit extensions, and lack of response to renewal requests. As a result, foreign nationals may fall into precarious or irregular situations, potentially losing jobs or access to social benefits—or facing removal orders (OQTFs).

These delays have led to a rise in administrative litigation. The Conseil d'État has reaffirmed that receiving a timely administrative response is a legal right (e.g., CE, June 10, 2020, no. 435594; CE, June 9, 2022, no. 453391). Foreign nationals may now request court intervention or claim monetary compensation for professional and moral harm caused by administrative inaction.

2. Hiring Foreign Workers in France: Recent Updates and Ongoing Challenges

Updated Work Permit Documentation Requirements (Effective January 11, 2025)

An order published January 11, 2025 (NOR: INTV2429924A), modifies the April 1, 2021 order, clarifying the list of documents required for work authorization. Key additions include:

• A certificate confirming payment of the employer’s social security contributions (dated within 6 months), excluding some student permit holders.
• A copy of the job advertisement submitted to a public employment service, if the position is subject to labor market testing.
• For seasonal jobs, proof that the employer offers adequate housing for the worker during their stay.

These changes largely formalize existing practices on the digital platform and reinforce employer compliance with labor and immigration laws.

New Guidelines on Exceptional Admission to Residence (AES) – January 23, 2025

A new Circular from Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau updates the framework for exceptional residence permits (AES), based on Article L.435-1 of the CESEDA and the 2012 “Valls” Circular.

While the process remains largely the same, the Retailleau Circular emphasizes stricter integration requirements, including:

• Respect for the values of the Republic, such as equality, secularism, human dignity, and national symbols.
• French language proficiency, demonstrated through diplomas, certifications, or other evidence.

For AES applications based on employment, preference will now be given to jobs in high-demand sectors, per a 2021 decree (soon to be updated).
Applicants outside these sectors may find it harder to regularize their status. Importantly, employer involvement in an AES application does not shield them from potential sanctions for employing someone without valid status.

3. Upcoming Implementation of EES and ETIAS Systems

To enhance border security and migration management, two major EU systems are set to launch:

EES (Entry/Exit System)

Originally planned for November 2024 but now delayed to sometime in 2025, the EES will digitally track the entry and exit of third-country nationals across Schengen Area borders.
Replacing passport stamps, EES will record all arrivals, departures, and overstays electronically—affecting travelers at land, air, and sea borders (except Cyprus and Ireland).

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)

Expected by 2025, ETIAS applies to citizens of around 60 non-EU countries who currently enjoy visa-free short stays.
Modeled after the U.S. ESTA system, ETIAS will:

• Be valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period
• Allow multiple entries over a 3-year period (or until passport expiration)
• Require an online application before travel

Coming Soon: Reform of the European Blue Card

The European Directive of October 20, 2021—which eases access to the European Blue Card (EBC) for highly skilled non-EU workers—was due to be transposed by November 18, 2023.

After a formal notice from the EU for delay, France introduced Bill No. 529 (dated October 31, 2024). The Senate adopted the bill with amendments in a first reading on March 10, 2025.

Majorelle Mobility will continue to monitor and report on developments regarding the Blue Card reform and its implications for employers and talent across Europe. Contact Clarisse today!