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France has begun reviewing a decades-old migration agreement with Algeria as tensions between the two countries continue to deepen.
The French Interior Ministry confirmed that work is under way to revise the 1968 Franco-Algerian agreement, which governs the movement, employment and residence of Algerian nationals in France.
The ministry said the review was initiated on instructions from President Emmanuel Macron and the prime minister. Migration discussions between Paris and Algiers resumed following Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez’s visit to Algeria in February.
Deportations add to tensions
Migration and deportations have become a major source of friction between France and Algeria.
French Interior Ministry figures show that more than 650,000 Algerians held valid French residence permits in 2025, while more than 200,000 visas were issued during the year.
In May, Nuñez said more than 700 Algerians were being held in administrative detention centres. More than 140 Algerian nationals had been deported from France since the beginning of 2026.
Macron had already called for tougher measures in August 2025, including tighter visa rules for Algerian diplomatic passport holders.
Reuters reported at the time that Macron had requested the suspension of a 2013 visa exemption agreement for Algerian diplomatic and official passport holders.
France-Algeria relations deteriorate
The migration dispute comes amid a broader deterioration in relations between Paris and Algiers.
Tensions intensified following France’s 2024 decision to support Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. Algeria backs the Polisario Front and subsequently withdrew its ambassador from France.
Relations deteriorated further after Algeria detained Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal in November 2024.
The dispute escalated into reciprocal diplomatic expulsions in April 2025. AP reported that Algeria ordered 12 French officials to leave after France arrested an Algerian consular employee over the alleged kidnapping of government critic Amir Boukhors. France responded by expelling 12 Algerian officials.
Algeria’s ties with Russia
The diplomatic crisis has also unfolded as Algeria maintains close defence ties with Russia, one of its main military suppliers.
Algeria opposed military intervention in neighbouring Niger following the 2023 coup and instead pushed for a diplomatic solution.
Niger has since strengthened relations with both Algeria and Russia as France’s military influence across the Sahel has declined.