Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
A new survey from the Consumer Science & Analytics (CSA) Institute shows that 87% of French people approved France’s decision to reduce the number of visas issued to Moroccans, Algerians, and Tunisians.
CSA Institute, which prepared the survey for French media outlet CNEWS, indicates that nearly 9 out of 10 French people supported France’s decision to cut the number of visas issued to people from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
The survey showed that 87% of people believe their country did not make the wrong decision in cutting the number of visas to people from the three countries.
Earlier this week, France decided to cut the number of visas issued to Moroccans and Algerians by 50%, and over 30% for Tunisians.
The French government cites alleged “refusal” from the countries’ authorities to repatriate migrants in irregular situations in France.
The CSA institute’s survey shows that people aged over 50 are “the most favorable” to France’s measure, with 93% in agreement to the decision.
People under 34 are less likely to support France’s controversial decision, the data found.
Surveyed people who are “close to the left” showed “strong support” to the decision.
“Less surprisingly, support for the measure is almost total for respondents who feel close to the right and the center (94%),” CNEWS said.
The three countries affected by the measure condemned France’s unilateral decision.
Morocco described France’s decision as “unjustified.”
“Morocco has always dealt with the issue of migration and the movement of individuals with great responsibility and balance,” Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said on September 28.
The official added that Morocco seeks to facilitate the movement of students and businessmen, while simultaneously countering irregular migration.
The top official emphasized that Morocco has long been committed to handling irregular migration, emphasizing that Moroccan consular services in France provided over 400 transit passes to Moroccan citizens with no legal status to facilitate their return to Morocco.
“There are clear conditions for entering Morocco’s territory for this category of people.” A valid transit card must be available beforehand is among the conditions.
“Second is proof of Moroccan nationality, and finally a negative PCR test, which the individuals in question refuse to take,” Bourita said.
The FM reiterated that Morocco has all rights to refuse entry to travelers unless they submit a negative PCR result.
He argued that France’s decision “betrays consular cooperation.”
He added that Morocco will look into “this further, despite it not reflecting well on bilateral cooperation between the two countries.”
The French community in Morocco slammed France’s decision, describing it as a “serious attack on international people’s mobility.”
Algeria also summoned the French ambassador in Algiers for consultation regarding the move.
