In Algeria, many foreign nationals have been struggling to obtain residence permits despite winning court cases against prefectures. According to a recent report, 5,678 requests for enforcement of court judgments were made in 2025, a 7.8% increase from 2024. The rise is largely attributed to disputes over residence permits for foreigners. Algerian authorities have been criticized for delays in executing court rulings, leaving many individuals in a state of limbo.
When a court rules in favor of a plaintiff, the prefecture is required to issue a residence permit within a specified timeframe, usually one or two months. However, many prefectures have been failing to comply with these rulings, leading to lengthy delays. In some cases, the prefecture may request additional documentation or re-examine the case, but this can lead to further delays. In 2025, administrative courts received 1,452 requests for enforcement proceedings and imposed 351 fines on the administration for non-compliance.
The problem is particularly pronounced in certain prefectures, such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. In Paris, the administrative court received 900 requests for enforcement, two-thirds of which related to disputes over residence permits for foreigners. In Lyon, over 85% of the 363 requests concerned the migration department of the Rhône prefecture. Marseille's administrative court recorded 148 requests for enforcement in 2025, a 42% increase from the previous year.
Individuals who have won court cases against prefectures can take several steps to enforce the rulings. They can request that the administrative court, which issued the judgment, take action to ensure its enforcement. This can involve imposing a fine on the administration or ordering a specific measure to be taken. In urgent cases, a "référé-liberté" can be filed, which allows for a rapid decision. In 2025, courts received 11,449 requests for référé-liberté, a 22% increase from the previous year.
One notable case involves a Moroccan father of a family who was granted a residence permit by the Marseille administrative court on December 18, 2025. However, the prefecture failed to issue the permit, and his temporary residence permit expired, leading to the suspension of his salary. The Conseil d'État intervened, ordering the prefecture to issue a temporary residence permit with work authorization within 48 hours.
Delays in issuing residence permits can have significant consequences for individuals, including loss of salary and benefits. In some cases, individuals may be able to claim damages from the state for losses incurred due to the prefecture's failure to enforce a court ruling. For example, in September 2026, the Melun administrative court awarded over €33,500 to an Algerian woman who had been denied a residence permit, resulting in the loss of her benefits.
Algerian nationals are also affected by these delays and can take similar steps to enforce court rulings. The agreement between France and Algeria in 1968 governs the residence permits of Algerian nationals, and prefectures are required to comply with court rulings ordering the issuance of residence permits. Those facing difficulties can seek assistance from an attorney or take advantage of legal aid to navigate the process.
Key points
- Algerian prefectures face increasing pressure to enforce court rulings on residence permits, with 5,678 requests for enforcement made in 2025.
- Delays in issuing residence permits can have significant consequences for individuals, including loss of salary and benefits.
- Individuals can take steps to enforce court rulings, including requesting action from the administrative court and filing a référé-liberté in urgent cases.
