The French government has published a new decree, numbered 2026-1001, which came into effect on October 26, 2026. This decree aims to reform several aspects of foreign workers' rights in France. The decree was published in the Official Journal on October 29, 2026, and is a result of the country's commitment to transposing European norms and adjusting to post-Brexit agreements.
The decree brings significant changes to the Code of Entry and Residence of Foreigners (CESEDA) and the Labor Code. One of the key changes is the easing of professional mobility for foreign workers holding an initial work permit. Previously, foreign workers were required to work with their initial employer for 12 months before they could change jobs. However, under the new decree, this period has been reduced to six months.
The decree also aims to reduce administrative delays by setting a standard deadline for processing residence permit applications. According to the new rules, decisions on complete residence permit applications that authorize work must be notified within three months, extendable by 30 days under specific conditions. Additionally, the decree introduces protection mechanisms for foreign workers who lose their jobs involuntarily during the validity of their residence permit.
To attract highly qualified foreign talent, the decree modifies the regime of the multi-annual residence permit bearing the mention "Talent - European Blue Card." The decree facilitates intra-EU mobility for holders of a Blue Card issued by another EU member state. It also simplifies access to the French labor market for family members of Blue Card holders and aligns the duration of their residence permits with that of the main beneficiary.
The decree also addresses the issue of post-Brexit detachments. It implements the commitments of the EU-UK agreement and introduces an exemption from work authorization for certain employees detached in France by a UK-based employer. However, this exemption is subject to strict conditions and does not exempt the UK employer from prior declaration of detachment and compliance with French labor law.
The new decree has been welcomed by lawyers and HR directors, who see it as an attempt to balance the need to simplify access to legal employment with respect for European and international normative frameworks. The decree provides companies with a clear framework for securing their international recruitment.
The changes introduced by the decree are expected to have a significant impact on foreign workers in France, particularly those from Algeria. The decree's provisions on professional mobility, administrative delays, and highly qualified talent are likely to affect many foreign workers.
Key points
- The decree aims to simplify professional mobility for foreign workers and improve conditions for highly qualified talent.
- The decree introduces protection mechanisms for foreign workers who lose their jobs involuntarily during the validity of their residence permit.
- The decree facilitates intra-EU mobility for holders of a Blue Card issued by another EU member state.
