Morocco tops list of new residents in France

French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné and the head of Moroccan diplomacy, Nasser Bourita - PHOTO/@Marocdiplo_EN

Marta Dorgambide

17 de agosto de 2024 (08:00 h.)

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A look at how Moroccan migration has outpaced other national groups in terms of residence permits and visas

France, with its rich migration tradition and its attractiveness as a residence destination, has revealed significant data on residence permits granted in 2023. According to the French Interior Ministry, Moroccans have established themselves as the main group of new residents, highlighting the close relations between France and the Maghreb.

In 2023, Maghreb nationals - specifically Moroccans, Algerians and Tunisians - positioned themselves as the main migrants to France. These groups not only led in applications for short-stay visas, but also received the highest number of residence permits. This trend is also reflected in the number of citizens of these nationalities who have obtained French citizenship, evidencing their growing integration into French society.

France's President Emmanuel Macron (R) talks with Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune (L) while attending the G7 summit hosted by Italy at the Borgo Egnazia resort in the Apulia region of Savelletri, Italy, 13 June 2024 – PHOTO/Ludovic MARIN/AFP

France issued a total of 2.4 million visas in 2023, an increase of 40.4% over the previous year, according to Schengen News. Most of these visas were short-stay visas, allowing stays of up to 90 days. Moroccans, along with nationals from China and India, were among the main beneficiaries, with 52.4% of Moroccan visa applications approved, indicating a growing interest in temporary residence in France.

According to Rue20, Moroccans topped the list of new residency in France with an increase of 2.5% over the previous year. The total number of residence permits issued amounted to 326,954, surpassing the 318,000 in 2022 and 287,000 in 2021. Moroccans received 36,648 permits, representing 11.2% of the total. Algerians came second with 31,943 permits, followed by Tunisians with 22,639 permits.

French President Emmanuel Macron with Moroccan monarch Mohammed VI - PHOTO/ARCHIVO

These data not only reflect the increase in the total number of residence permits, but also the prominent presence of Maghreb nationals in France. The high demand for visas by these groups underlines the importance of France as a migratory destination in the region.

Ultimately, the 2023 migration profile reveals the persistent influence of the Maghreb countries, evidenced by both the increase in the issuance of visas and residence permits and the decrease in the granting of citizenship. This scenario highlights the need to adjust migration policies to effectively manage the growing demand and changing migration patterns.