France sees decline in Algerian visas and rising residency hurdles

Visa and residency procedures for Algerian nationals in France are facing increased scrutiny and administrative delays. Data from the French Ministry of the Interior shows that in 2025, a total of 204,243 visas were issued to Algerian citizens, marking an 18.3% decrease compared to 2024. Despite this decline, education remains a primary driver for long-term mobility; of the 18,371 long-stay visas granted to Algerians in 2025, 48.7% were for study or internship purposes.

Administrative difficulties are also impacting residency permit applications. In one legal case brought before the Cergy-Pontoise Administrative Tribunal, an Algerian national sought judicial intervention after waiting 20 months for a prefecture appointment to submit a residency application. The legal action seeks to address what is described as a refusal to process requests through online platforms, highlighting growing tensions regarding the accessibility of administrative procedures for Algerian residents in France.