In recent weeks, diplomatic relations between France and Algeria have reached what many experts describe as “historic lows.” This worsening of relations has been underscored by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau’s repeated threats to drastically limit the number of short-term Schengen visas granted to Algerian nationals, a move that may face significant challenges if not backed by the European Union (EU) as a whole.
The longstanding bilateral relationship between Algiers and Paris has been fraught with tension, largely due to the unresolved legacy of the Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962). The brutal conflict, which resulted in Algeria gaining independence from France, has left deep scars on both countries’ national psyches. However, the current diplomatic standoff may signal a new and dangerous phase in their relationship.
Retailleau’s position is clear: he intends to limit the number of short-term Schengen visas issued to Algerian nationals—approximately 274,000 in 2023—unless Algeria agrees to take back its nationals who are subject to deportation orders. Additionally, the minister has indicated that he is seeking to revise the 1968 bilateral agreement between the two countries, which facilitates the visa access of Algerian nationals to France.
As Retailleau has stated, “We need to look at all the means at our disposal to get the relationship back on track.” However, there is a critical catch: any unilateral action by France could fall short of achieving its goals unless the EU as a whole is involved. According to a senior French diplomat, who spoke to Euractiv on condition of anonymity, a unilateral visa reduction would not only be ineffective but could potentially fuel growing resentment against Algerians without significantly curbing access to the EU.
Indeed, previous unilateral efforts to restrict visas have had limited success. In 2021, France reduced the number of visas granted to nationals from Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, but the move failed to achieve the desired outcomes. A 2024 report by the French Court of Auditors revealed that the restrictions worsened relations with these countries without compelling them to take back more of their nationals. The report further suggested that the effects of the restrictions would have been more significant if they had been implemented at the EU level, as seen in the case of Gambia in 2022.
The heart of the matter lies in immigration and the readmission of deported nationals. For France, a major point of contention has been Algeria’s reluctance to cooperate on the return of individuals who have been ordered to leave the country. A European Commission report from July 2024 revealed that 75% of EU member states found Algeria’s cooperation on readmission to be “poor.” Retailleau’s threats to restrict visas reflect growing frustration within France, where many citizens are concerned about immigration and national security.
Political tensions between the two countries have also contributed to the worsening of their relationship. One key incident was French President Emmanuel Macron’s affirmation of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a region that Algeria supports the independence movement in. This move angered Algeria and further strained diplomatic ties. Moreover, the recent refusal by Algeria to accept the deportation of a controversial TikTok influencer, ‘Doualemn’, added fuel to the fire.
Farida Souiah, an assistant professor in political science and expert on France-Algeria relations, described the situation as a “historic low” in relations between the two nations. She noted that immigration issues, compounded by the scars of the Algerian War, continue to fuel resentment and diplomatic clashes.
The idea of a ‘visa war’—with France cutting visas unilaterally—has been met with skepticism from experts. Souiah warned that such a strategy could lead to a “country-shopping” situation, where Algerians apply for visas at other EU embassies, ultimately undermining the intent of the policy. The effectiveness of the strategy would be significantly amplified if the EU as a whole took action, such as enacting a temporary visa freeze under the EU Visa Code, which allows for such measures when third countries fail to cooperate on deportations.
Without EU backing, Retailleau’s threats to reduce visas may amount to little more than empty rhetoric. The EU’s approach to immigration has seen mixed results, and without a coordinated effort, individual countries like France may find themselves facing diplomatic fallout without securing the desired outcomes.
In conclusion, the diplomatic standoff between France and Algeria over immigration and visa policies presents significant challenges for both nations. The current crisis highlights the complex and evolving nature of international relations in the age of mass migration, with immigration policy playing an increasingly prominent role in shaping diplomatic relations. As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen whether a unilateral visa crackdown will bring about the desired results, or whether it will require broader EU intervention to achieve meaningful change.
