Baccalaureate holders face legal barriers

Many high school graduates in Mayotte, a French territory near the Comoros, face a legal obstacle after turning 18. They cannot enroll in higher education institutions or access other training because they lack proper identity documents, which are required for enrollment and legal residency.

Legal protections end at 18

Once these students turn 18, they lose the legal protections that allowed them to attend school in Mayotte without documents. This leaves them "blocked" from pursuing further studies, even locally, and unable to obtain a French residence permit without proper identification from their country of origin.

Missing documents from birthplace

Ibrahim Ahmed Halime, a 19-year-old with Comorian roots, obtained his baccalaureate in 2024 but lacks both French and Comorian identity documents. His parents never secured Comorian documents for him, assuming the baccalaureate would secure his future in France. However, without proper identification, he cannot regularize his status in Mayotte.

A temporary solution remains elusive

A possible solution is a "laissez-passer" from the Mayotte prefecture, which would allow Ibrahim to travel to the Comoros to obtain an identity card. However, the prefecture has been unresponsive to his repeated requests, effectively leaving him without a path forward.

Exploitation by intermediaries

Some cybercafés have taken advantage of the situation by offering to secure appointments at the prefecture for a fee. However, even with these services, appointments are not guaranteed, and Ibrahim spent 150 euros without success, a significant sum for someone from a modest background.

A growing problem with no easy answers

The issue highlights a broader challenge in Mayotte, where many young people have completed their education but face barriers to legal residency. Some turn to illegal migration, while others feel excluded by a system that seems to ignore their needs.

Systemic challenges and possible motives

Some suggest the prefecture lacks the staff to handle the high volume of requests, while others suspect a deliberate slowdown in processing. The situation has also fueled resentment among locals, who blame immigration for overburdening public services and increasing insecurity.

Possible government strategy

There is speculation that the French government may be using a deliberate "radio silence" to discourage these young people from staying in Mayotte. However, this strategy may be flawed, as most of these individuals have no intention of returning to the Comoros, where they see little opportunity for a future.

Challenges of returning to the Comoros

Even if some young people wanted to return to the Comoros, the economic and social disparities between Mayotte and the islands make it an unattractive option. Many have grown up in a French environment and would struggle to reintegrate into Comorian society, which does not inspire confidence or ambition for most.