The UN’s special rapporteur, Ashwini KP, has spoken out against France’s new immigration bill, stating that it is unequal and violates the country’s commitment to equality and liberty. The bill, which aims to reduce migration and includes measures such as quotas for migrants, revoking birthright citizenship, and making it easier to deport individuals with a criminal record, has been widely criticized.
Ashwini KP raised concerns about the impact of the proposed measures on immigrants and marginalized communities, including increased fees for foreign students and restrictions on access to state healthcare for migrants. She expressed hope that the Constitutional Council would make amendments to the legislation to address these issues.
The controversial law has sparked protests across French cities, with thousands of demonstrators calling on President Macron not to sign the bill. The Interior French Ministry reported 75,000 protesters, while the CGT Union claims that 150,000 people took to the streets to oppose the immigration law.
In addition to the provisions affecting migrants, the new immigration law also includes a provision that will benefit second homeowners from the United Kingdom, allowing them to stay in France for up to six months without needing to apply for a visa, as opposed to the current three-month limit.
This change has led to a surge in interest from Britons looking to buy property in France, with a 582% increase in the number of searches for French properties by UK residents. If implemented, the law will make it easier for Britons who own property in France to spend extended periods of time in the country without the hassle of applying for a long-stay visa.
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