The French government is set to update the list of in-demand professions eligible for the regularization of undocumented workers by the end of February 2025, according to Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet, Minister Delegate for Labor and Employment.
This update is part of the new immigration law enacted in early 2024. Speaking on francetvinfo and France Inter on January 5, Panosyan-Bouvet explained:
“With Bruno Retailleau, Minister of the Interior, we are working together to finalize a circular that addresses the regularization process for undocumented workers.”
Stricter Criteria to Replace the Valls Circular
The forthcoming circular aims to replace the Valls circular of 2012, which has until now allowed undocumented individuals to apply for “exceptional admission to stay” (AES) for family, economic, or student reasons.
In 2023 alone, 34,724 individuals obtained legal status through this process. However, the new framework is expected to introduce stricter admission criteria.
One notable change is that undocumented workers will no longer need their employer’s approval to apply for regularization.
“The problem with the Valls circular was that workers had to rely on their employers to request authorization,” said Panosyan-Bouvet. “This new law will allow workers to independently request regularization, removing this dependency.”
A Regional Focus on Workforce Needs
The Ministries of Labor and the Interior have conducted a region-by-region analysis to identify professions facing labor shortages, covering all skill levels. This data will guide the updated list of eligible occupations.
Additionally, Panosyan-Bouvet highlighted the importance of economic immigration, stating that “engineers and master’s students account for one-third of this category.”
The Valls Circular: A Policy in Place Since 2012
The Valls circular, introduced in 2012 by then-Minister of the Interior Manuel Valls, provides a framework for the regularization of undocumented immigrants in France. Signed shortly after the left returned to power, this 12-page directive outlines the eligibility criteria for granting residence permits to individuals in irregular situations.
While prefects ultimately hold the authority to approve or deny residence permits, the circular offers specific guidelines to ensure clarity and consistency in decision-making.
Who is Eligible Under the Valls Circular?
The circular defines specific circumstances under which undocumented immigrants can apply for regularization, including:
- Parents of children in school: Those whose children have attended school in France for at least three years and can prove long-term settlement.
- Young adults in irregular status: Individuals who turned 18 while in an undocumented status but had previously been in school in France.
- Victims of domestic violence or human trafficking: Those affected by abuse or exploitation.
It also focuses heavily on work-related criteria. Undocumented workers who have lived in France for at least five years and can present regular pay slips, an employment contract, or a promise of employment may apply for an employee residence permit under the circular’s provisions.
A Stable Number of Regularizations in France
Each year, approximately 30,000 individuals are regularized through the Valls circular in France:
- 23,000 for family-related reasons
- 7,000 for work-related reasons
These numbers have remained consistent over the years. At the time of its publication, Manuel Valls emphasized that the circular was not intended to significantly increase the number of regularizations but rather to ensure transparency and clarity in the application process.