Algeria vows reciprocal action in response to French travel restrictions

Algiers [Algeria], February 28: Algeria announced on Thursday evening that it will "immediately and strictly" enforce the principle of reciprocity in response to all movement restrictions imposed by France on its nationals, according to a statement from the Algerian Foreign Ministry.
The announcement follows remarks by French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, who on Wednesday gave Algiers a four-to-six-week deadline to accept the repatriation of a list of Algerians expelled from France. Bayrou warned that if these expulsions could not be successfully carried out within the timeframe, France would reconsider the bilateral agreements governing the residence of Algerians in the country.
In its response, Algeria firmly rejected what it described as an ultimatum, stressing that it would not accept "deadlines, warnings, or threats." The statement emphasized that "reciprocity will be strictly and immediately applied to all restrictions affecting movement between Algeria and France."
The statement reaffirmed Algeria's commitment to calm and self-restraint while protecting the rights of its citizens residing in France. It also pointed out that French laws, bilateral agreements, and international conventions all support Algeria's stance, particularly regarding consular protection for its nationals.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry criticized France for violating national and international obligations by arbitrarily deporting Algerian citizens and depriving them of legal recourse.
The statement further blamed France's far-right movements for straining bilateral ties, accusing them of holding the Algerian-French relationship hostage for political gains.
It warned that Algeria "would not rule out additional measures if necessary," adding that "any tampering with the 1968 Franco-Algerian agreement -- already stripped of its original essence -- would lead to reciprocal actions on other agreements and protocols."
The 1968 treaty grants Algerians special immigration, residency, and work privileges in France.
Diplomatic tension between the two countries has been brewing for several months. On July 30, 2024, Algeria recalled its ambassador to France due to the latter's support for a plan for autonomy for the Western Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty.
On Wednesday, Algeria's Foreign Ministry condemned France's decision to impose travel restrictions on Algerian diplomatic passport holders, calling it a breach of bilateral agreements and warning of "strict and immediate countermeasures."
Source: Xinhua