A group of nearly 70 French lawmakers has introduced a bill to the National Assembly that proposes the regularization of undocumented workers who have been employed in France for at least six months over the past two years. The bill is inspired by Spain's experience with regularization, which saw 600,000 migrants regularized in 2005. The Spanish government has since repeated the experiment, with the current government of Pedro Sanchez citing its success.
The proposed bill aims to regularize between 300,000 and 400,000 undocumented workers who are currently in a precarious situation in France. These workers are employed in essential sectors such as construction, hospitality, and healthcare, but are excluded from social benefits and protections despite paying taxes and social security contributions. The lawmakers argue that regularization would bring these workers out of the shadows and give them a legitimate place in French society.
The bill's sponsors cite a study that found that Spain's 2005 regularization program resulted in a net gain of 4,000 euros per regularized migrant, increased legal employment, and reduced unreported work. They contrast this approach with France's own policies since 2017, which they describe as "security-focused and inefficient" and which have contributed to the exclusion of migrant workers rather than their inclusion.
The proposed bill would grant a residence permit to any foreigner who can prove they have worked in France for at least six months over the past two years. The permit would be issued automatically and would include a work authorization. The lawmakers argue that this approach would help to combat the exploitation of migrant workers and give them a fair place in French society.
The issue of regularization has become increasingly pressing in France, where many undocumented workers are employed in essential sectors but are denied basic rights and protections. The French government has faced criticism for its handling of the issue, with many arguing that its policies have driven migrant workers underground and exacerbated their vulnerability.
The bill's introduction comes at a time of heightened debate over migration and border control in Europe. The French government has faced pressure from other EU countries to adopt a tougher stance on migration, but the proposed bill suggests that some lawmakers are pushing for a more nuanced approach that prioritizes the rights and contributions of migrant workers.
The bill's prospects for passage are uncertain, but its introduction has sparked a renewed debate over the treatment of undocumented workers in France. If passed, the bill would mark a significant shift in French policy towards migrant workers and could have implications for other EU countries grappling with similar issues.
Key points
- The proposed bill would regularize undocumented workers who have been employed in France for at least six months over the past two years.
- The bill is inspired by Spain's experience with regularization, which saw 600,000 migrants regularized in 2005.
- The proposed bill aims to regularize between 300,000 and 400,000 undocumented workers in France.
