France has officially ended its long-standing visa exemption policy for Algerian officials and diplomats. This change was ordered directly by French President Emmanuel Macron, marking a sharp shift in how France handles its relationship with Algeria. The decision puts an end to an agreement signed in 2013, which allowed Algerian diplomatic passport holders to travel to France without needing a visa.
Deportation Dispute at the Center of the Policy Change
France has been trying to deport several undocumented Algerian citizens and individuals convicted of crimes, but Algeria has not issued the consular documents required for the deportations to go through.
French officials, including President Macron, say they have made repeated efforts to negotiate with Algerian authorities, but with no positive outcome. Ending the visa exemption for diplomats is one way France hopes to pressure Algeria into compliance.
Macron: France Must Command Respect in International Diplomacy
President Macron, in a letter to French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, made it clear that France must take steps to “command respect” in global affairs. He stated that France has remained respectful toward Algeria but has not received the same level of cooperation in return. As a result, Macron believes France must take bold actions to protect its national interest and show it is serious.
In his words, France must “act strongly to be respected.” This statement shows the level of frustration within the French government and the seriousness of this diplomatic shift. Ending visa privileges for diplomats is not a small step it’s a powerful message from one government to another.
Historical Tensions Still Affect Today’s Diplomacy
The relationship between France and Algeria has always been complex and emotional, largely because of their shared colonial past. Algeria was a French colony for over 130 years before gaining independence in 1962 after a bloody war. Although both countries have had periods of cooperation, deep mistrust still lingers in the background.
Recently, tensions increased when France publicly supported Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara, a move that Algeria strongly opposes. Algeria saw this as France taking sides against it in a regional issue, which added more strain to their already fragile diplomatic relationship.
Impact on Travel and Future Cooperation
Now that the visa exemption has ended, Algerian diplomats, government officials, and those on official missions must apply for a visa before visiting France. This change doesn’t just affect individuals it also slows down political dialogue, cooperation on migration, economic partnerships, and security discussions.
France has also called on its Schengen area partners like Germany, Italy, and Spain to apply the same rules, which could make it even harder for Algerian officials to travel within Europe.
Analysts say that this could have a long-term effect on bilateral cooperation, especially in areas like trade, cultural exchange, and international development. Unless diplomatic talks resume, both nations may lose out on future opportunities.
France’s decision to end visa-free travel for Algerian diplomats is more than just a policy update it’s a serious diplomatic message. It shows France’s growing impatience with what it sees as Algeria’s refusal to cooperate on key issues, especially migration and deportation.
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