A recent parliamentary report in France has highlighted a significant surge in the interpellations of Algerian undocumented migrants over the past two decades. The report, prepared by the commission on finance, general economy, and budgetary control, reveals that the number of Algerian nationals intercepted while in an irregular situation has increased tenfold between 2003 and 2025. This notable rise has been attributed to the current political climate and the focused efforts of French authorities to tackle irregular immigration.
According to the report, led by Charles Rodwell, a deputy from the party "Ensemble pour la République," the number of interpellations of Algerian undocumented migrants grew from 4,703 in 2003 to 46,956 in 2025. However, despite this significant increase, the actual number of Algerian nationals who were effectively deported remained relatively stable, with 2,513 deportations in 2003 and 2,539 in 2025. This represents a substantial decrease in the execution rate of deportation orders, from 53% in 2003 to 4.9% in 2025.
The report highlights that the Algerian case is a symptomatic example of the growing inefficiency of France's return policy. It emphasizes that the main countries of origin of irregular migrants should also be among the primary destinations for executed deportation measures. However, the reality appears to be different, with the execution rate of deportation orders toward Algerian nationals experiencing a significant decline over the years.
The data presented in the report also shows that the number of deportations from administrative detention centers (CRA) to Algeria decreased substantially in 2025, with only 263 deportations recorded, compared to 1,100 in 2024. In contrast, deportations to other countries, such as Romania, Tunisia, and Morocco, were more substantial, with 687, 552, and 538 deportations, respectively.
The report's findings suggest that despite increased efforts by French authorities to intercept undocumented migrants, the actual number of deportations has not increased correspondingly. The report notes that the average annual number of deportations of third-country nationals has remained relatively stable, oscillating around 6,000 people per year since 2009.
The surge in interpellations of Algerian undocumented migrants has been linked to the current political climate and the focused efforts of certain politicians, such as Bruno Retailleau, who served as Minister of the Interior from September 2024 to October 2025. Retailleau's tenure was marked by a strong emphasis on tackling irregular immigration, which may have contributed to the increased interpellations.
The report's conclusions highlight the need for a more effective approach to addressing irregular immigration, including a better alignment between interpellations and deportations. The findings also underscore the complexities and challenges associated with deporting undocumented migrants, particularly those from specific countries of origin.
Key points
- Interpellations of Algerian undocumented migrants in France have increased tenfold between 2003 and 2025.
- The execution rate of deportation orders toward Algerian nationals decreased significantly over the years, from 53% in 2003 to 4.9% in 2025.
- The report highlights the need for a more effective approach to addressing irregular immigration in France.
