The World Briefly

May 02, 2023

The Mothership

Mayotte

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Opposing protests took place in France and on the French island of Mayotte this week, over planned changes to the country’s immigration laws and the deportations of illegal migrants from the French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, Agence France-Presse reported.

In Paris and other cities, thousands of people took to the streets to protest against a proposed bill that would expand the possibilities for deportation, particularly for non-nationals who engage in criminal activities.

The reform would also alter the rules for receiving French residence permits. Specifically, it proposes that individuals must show a minimum level of proficiency in French before being eligible for a multi-year permit and that the criteria for renewing long-term permits should be more stringent.

But many detractors said the proposal is “a racist law, which aims to criminalize foreigners.” The government countered that the bill aims to strike a balance between the expulsion of foreigners who threaten public order, and better integration of undocumented migrants.

Even so, the government has failed to reach a consensus on the bill in parliament.

Meanwhile, demonstrators also targeted “Operation Wuambushu” (take back) which is being carried out by French authorities on Mayotte.

The operation aims to send back illegal immigrants, most from neighboring Comoros, currently living in unsanitary slums on the island.

But while Comoros has slammed France over the move, many Mayotte officials and islanders have voiced support for the operation, which also seeks to tackle crime in the French territory.

Over the weekend, more than a thousand people in Mayotte took to the streets to express support for “Operation Wuambushu,” Africanews wrote.

This story originally appeared in the May 02, 2023 newsletter, Hearts and Minds.