France has introduced new immigration rules allowing eligible foreign workers who lose their jobs to stay in the country for up to six months while searching for new employment.
The reforms also aim to shorten residence permit processing times and simplify the relocation process for certain skilled professionals moving to France from other European Union countries.
The changes cover temporary workers, EU Blue Card holders and other categories of foreign employees legally residing in France, according to The Economic Times.
The reforms are part of France’s implementation of the revised European Union Blue Card and Single Permit Directives, which seek to improve employment mobility and strengthen residence rights for non-EU nationals.
Under the revised rules, foreign nationals with Temporary Worker residence permits who lose their jobs will have three months to find new employment without immediately risking their legal status in France.
Previously, their residence permits could be withdrawn after their employment was terminated.
Foreign workers who secure new employment within the three-month period can remain in France but must obtain fresh work authorisation before resuming work.
For EU Blue Card holders, the unemployment grace period has been extended to six months. Unlike temporary workers, eligible Blue Card holders who find new jobs will not be required to obtain fresh work authorisation.
The changes are expected to provide greater employment flexibility for skilled foreign professionals, including Nigerians working in France under eligible residence permit categories.
The French government has also shortened the standard processing time for most complete residence permit applications from four months to 90 days.
