French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered his government to impose stricter visa requirements on Algerian diplomats as a diplomatic dispute over deportations deepens.
In a letter to Prime Minister François Bayrou, seen by Reuters, Macron cited growing migration and security challenges with Algeria, saying the situation warranted a firmer stance toward the former French colony. He instructed Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to formally notify Algiers of the suspension of a 2013 bilateral agreement that exempted Algerian diplomatic and official passport holders from visa requirements.
Macron also directed Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau to seek cooperation from Schengen zone countries in enforcing the new policy, including consulting France before granting short-stay visas to Algerian officials covered under the suspended deal.
“France must be strong and command respect. It can only receive this from its partners if it shows them the respect it demands from them. This basic rule also applies to Algeria,” Macron wrote.
Relations between Paris and Algiers have steadily worsened since France’s July 2024 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a move opposed by Algeria, which backs the Sahrawi independence movement.
Tensions further escalated after Algeria detained Franco-Algerian author Boualem Sansal in November, and peaked earlier this year when an Algerian national, whom France had unsuccessfully sought to deport, was arrested over a fatal knife attack in Mulhouse that left one dead and three injured.
Retailleau has repeatedly pushed for a review of Franco-Algerian migration arrangements, accusing Algerian authorities of refusing to take back citizens ordered to leave France under the “OQTF” (obligation to leave French territory) deportation regime.
The Algerian government has yet to publicly respond to Macron’s latest measures, which could mark a significant downturn in bilateral relations.
Written By Rodney Mbua
