Migration in France - statistics & facts
Migration and migratory flows are sensitive and complex societal issues that unleash heated debate in the media and French homes. However, France has always welcomed foreigners, with several waves following one another, such as the Spanish and Portuguese immigration during the Iberian dictatorships or the North African immigration after 1945. But in recent years, the frustrations of the French due to a tense economic climate have crystallized into a fear of immigration, encouraged by the rise of the far right.
On the other hand, when foreigners are in an irregular situation on French soil, clandestine migrants have four options: continue in hiding, return voluntarily to their country, receive assistance for their return, or be forcibly deported. However, since 2013, assisted returns have been noticeably less numerous.
Immigration to France
In 2023, the main reasons for migration to France were mostly family or university studies, while residence permits issued for economic reasons were less important. Among other reasons invoked for obtaining a residence permit, nearly 47,000 mentioned humanitarian reasons. This category includes refugees, i.e. any person who has fled their country because of a fear of persecution or conflict requiring international protection. For instance, in 2015, Europe welcomed an important number of refugees fleeing the war in Syria. However, compared to its neighbors, France accepted few refugees, only 20,000 foreign nationals were granted asylum that year, less than one per commune.On the other hand, when foreigners are in an irregular situation on French soil, clandestine migrants have four options: continue in hiding, return voluntarily to their country, receive assistance for their return, or be forcibly deported. However, since 2013, assisted returns have been noticeably less numerous.
