France's new language rules for residency and citizenship spark claims of discrimination, with critics arguing they disproportionately affect foreigners.
Linguistic requirements criticized
Organizations linked to the collective "Le français pour toutes et tous," such as Cimade, claim that recent changes to language and civic requirements for residence permits and citizenship in France are discriminatory.New rules for French proficiency
Starting in 2026, individuals applying for a long-term residence permit in France must have a diploma proving their ability to speak and write in French. For those seeking citizenship, a university-level qualification in French is now mandatory.Reduced learning opportunities
The new policies have reportedly led to fewer learning opportunities, as most classes for foreigners have been closed and replaced with a mobile application designed to teach French.Webinar highlights concerns
During a webinar hosted by the collective in October, participants discussed the uneven effects of these requirements and the distress they have caused among affected individuals.
