France to vote on amnesty for up to 400,000 undocumented workers

The French National Assembly is scheduled to vote on a proposal by the Socialist Party to grant legal residency to an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 undocumented immigrants currently working in the country. The initiative, introduced by Socialist representative Paul Christophe, aims to regularize individuals who can document at least six months of work in France within the last two years.

Proponents argue that the measure will bring workers in sectors such as construction, hospitality, and caregiving out of the informal economy and reduce their vulnerability to exploitation. The proposal draws inspiration from similar recent amnesty measures in Spain.

Political figures, including centrist presidential candidate Raphaël Glucksmann, are expected to support the measure. However, the proposal faces potential criticism regarding its impact on immigration control and the potential to reward illegal residency.