Распоряжение МВД Франции префектам: Как изменится натурализация в 2025 году?

Summary

In this video, Russian-speaking lawyer Yulia Baranova discusses a recent circular issued by France's Minister of the Interior, Mr. Rataio, on May 2, 2025. She compares this new document with an earlier circular from January 2025, which focused on the legalization of undocumented individuals in France. The May circular centers on the process of naturalization through decree, outlining criteria for assimilation, language proficiency, and cultural integration. Baranova explains the implications of these criteria, such as higher language requirements and the possibility of a faster naturalization process for talented foreigners. She emphasizes that while the new guidelines require careful attention, they are not as strict as some may think, and encourage fair and lawful decision-making.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script discusses a circular from the French Minister of the Interior, Mr. Ratayo, issued on May 2, 2025, to all prefectures in France.
• 😀 The earlier circular from January 2025 was focused on the legalization of undocumented individuals residing in France, particularly those who violated the 'SDA' law or failed to leave France when ordered.
• 😀 The May 2025 circular addresses naturalization procedures for foreigners in France through a decree (Decree No. 93-1362) that has been in place since 1993.
• 😀 The Minister emphasized the importance of 'assimilation' rather than mere 'integration' for those seeking French citizenship. Assimilation requires foreigners to adopt French values and culture more deeply.
• 😀 The language requirements for naturalization have been raised from B1 to B2, aligning with the 2024 immigration law.
• 😀 Foreigners applying for citizenship must demonstrate knowledge of French history, culture, and the country's core values like liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• 😀 The Minister's circular highlights that being financially independent is no longer the sole factor in citizenship applications; a broader assessment of the individual’s integration is now needed.
• 😀 A special provision for 'talented passports' allows foreign nationals who have contributed to France's culture or economy (through innovation, artistic achievements, or sports) to apply for citizenship after just two years, rather than the usual five.
• 😀 The circular encourages prefectures to carefully evaluate citizenship applications, ensuring that they are aligned with both the 2024 immigration law and the broader principles of fairness.
• 😀 Circulaires (such as the one discussed) are official letters that provide recommendations and instructions but do not have legal force, and cannot be directly cited in court; the main legal authority comes from the laws themselves, such as the immigration law of January 2024.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the May 2025 circular from the French Minister of the Interior?

The main focus of the May 2025 circular is on the process of naturalization and the criteria for granting French citizenship to foreigners, specifically through a decree-based procedure (Decree No. 93-1362), rather than on the legalization of undocumented individuals.

How does the May 2025 circular differ from the January 2025 circular?

The January 2025 circular was about the legalization of undocumented individuals residing in France, whereas the May 2025 circular focuses on naturalization through a special decree procedure for foreigners applying for citizenship.

What is the significance of Decree No. 93-1362 mentioned in the May 2025 circular?

Decree No. 93-1362 is the legal foundation for the naturalization procedure in France, which has been in effect since 1993 and continues to govern the process for granting French citizenship through decree.

What is the difference between 'assimilation' and 'integration' as discussed in the script?

Assimilation refers to a deeper adaptation to French culture, where an individual becomes a part of French society and adopts French values and customs, often leaving behind their previous cultural identity. Integration, on the other hand, allows individuals to retain their cultural heritage while adapting to French society.

What language requirements are outlined in the May 2025 circular?

The circular emphasizes a higher language proficiency requirement, specifically the B2 level, as opposed to the previous B1 level. This requirement is part of the broader immigration law introduced in January 2024.

What does the circular say about financial independence and work requirements for naturalization?

The circular states that financial independence is not a rigid criterion. A person may qualify for naturalization even if they earn the minimum wage (around €1,400 net per month), but their overall situation will be assessed holistically, taking into account other factors.

What is the new opportunity for 'talent passports' in relation to naturalization?

The circular introduces the possibility for individuals holding a 'talent passport' (skilled or exceptional individuals) to apply for naturalization after just two years of residence in France, provided they meet the required criteria and have contributed significantly to French society, such as through cultural, economic, or artistic achievements.

What role do prefectures play according to the circular?

Prefectures are tasked with implementing the criteria set by the Minister of the Interior for naturalization applications. They must carefully assess each case, including language proficiency, assimilation, and contributions to French society, while following the legal guidelines.

How does the circular address the issue of applicants from specific countries or regions?

The circular implies that officials should be impartial in their assessments, avoiding biases based on nationality or origin, including addressing any perceived prejudices against citizens from certain countries, such as Russia.

What is the legal status of circulars in the French legal system, as mentioned in the script?

Circulars are official letters or recommendations from higher authorities, such as the Minister of the Interior, to subordinate agencies, like prefectures. While they provide guidance on implementing the law, they do not carry legal weight and cannot be directly cited in court as legal sources.