Relaxing of access to French nationality

Policy Response DateNovember 8, 2012 Country: France General Type: Equality/Integration Racism and discrimination phenomena: Nationalism
Groups affected / Interested in: Migrants Key socio-economic/institutional areas: Education Hate speech/Racist Discourse Medium: Printed Publication

16 October 2012 - The Ministry of the Interior circular softens the employability criterion taken into account when considering requests for access to French nationality. The employability is an essential condition of assimilation but this criterion should be considered with moderation in the context of economic and social crisis. According to the circular, temporary character of a contract should not be any more an obstacle in itself since the activity allows disposing sufficient and stable resources. Student’s residence permit should no longer lead systematically to an unfavorable decision. Naturalization applications of graduates whose course of study is "promising" and allows concluding a contract ensuring the financial autonomy as well as applications of French Grandes Ecoles’ students (Polytechnique, École Normale Supérieure, etc.) must be observed with interest. However the circular does not indicate a list of courses promising in terms of stable employment, leaving the marge of appreciation to the services.

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