Guidance

Country policy and information note: safe third country, France, August 2025 (accessible)

Published 1 September 2025

Version 1.0, August 2025

Executive summary

Part 2 of Schedule 3 of the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (‘the 2004 Act’) lists France as a country to which an irrebuttable statutory presumption applies in respect of people who are not nationals. This means that these countries must be treated as places where a person’s life and liberty would not be threatened for one of the reasons in, and as places from which a person would not be removed in contravention of, the 1951 Refugee Convention and applies without the particular facts needing to considered on a case-by-case basis.

France is a state party to 8 of the 9 core international human rights instruments, is a member of the Council of Europe (COE), has ratified the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), as well as other COE conventions protecting fundamental rights, and is a founding member of the European Union.

France is also a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and to the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees. France’s 1958 constitution provides the power to grant asylum. The principle of non-refoulement is enshrined in international and regional legal frameworks to which France is a signatory.

France has a clearly defined refugee status determination (RSD) process, with publicly available information about how to claim asylum and the services and support available. Asylum seekers have the right to be accompanied by a lawyer or a member of an authorised association during their asylum interview and interpreter services are available throughout the RSD process. If their asylum claim is rejected, they can request free legal assistance at the appeal stage.

Asylum seekers are entitled to accommodation and receive an allowance. Accommodation is state-funded but managed through a semi-public company (Adoma) or awarded via tender to NGOs. France also provides an additional daily allowance paid to those who are not accommodated free of charge. There have been challenges with meeting demand for asylum accommodation. Since 2020, 2 judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) have held that France breached its obligations under the ECHR in respect of the provision of accommodation. However, limited instances of ECHR breaches in specific circumstances is not illustrative of a systemic failure in the provision of asylum accommodation. Part of UNHCR’s advisory role includes monitoring access to rights and reception conditions for asylum seekers.

Claimants are screened for vulnerabilities including health conditions, trauma and trafficking. Vulnerable people can request additional support during interviews and their needs are taken into account when assessing reception conditions.

During the first 3 months of an adult’s stay in France, they only have access to urgent health care. Children have access to full health care upon arrival. After this 3-month period, asylum seekers have full access to healthcare through the Universal Health Protection Scheme (PUMA).

However, the threshold in Article 3 medical cases is very high. The UK Supreme Court case of AM (Zimbabwe) [2020] UKSC 17 affirmed the threshold as set out in the ECtHR case of Paposhvili v Belgium [2017] Imm AR 867. From these cases, a person needs to show there are substantial grounds for believing that they would face a real risk of being exposed to a serious, rapid and irreversible decline in their state of health resulting in intense suffering or a significant (substantial) reduction in life expectancy as a result of the absence of appropriate medical treatment or lack of access to such treatment in the country of return. Treatment for such a condition is almost certainly provided for under the initial urgent health care system. Similarly, as per Part 2(2) and Part 2(3)(1A) of Schedule 3 to the 2004 Act unless a claimant can demonstrate otherwise, it must be treated as a place where a person’s rights under Article 3 ECHR would not be breached

Asylum seekers can benefit from public mental health care through PUMA. However, capacity and language barriers can hinder access in practice. A large number of NGOs provide support to asylum seekers and refugees, including assistance with refugee status determination, accommodation, employment, and access to medical care (including mental healthcare). Despite difficulties in accessing mental health care, there does not appear to be a general or systemic unwillingness or inability to provide support to those who need it.

The US State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons report for 2024 (covering the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024) stated: ‘The Government of France fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. The government continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period’. France has ratified international anti-trafficking instruments and the penal code (as amended in 2013) criminalises human trafficking.

There are two potential support networks for victims of trafficking (VoT) who make an asylum claim. During asylum interviews, potential VoT are informed of the possibility of cooperating with law enforcement efforts but are also told that this process is separate from their asylum application and not a prerequisite for granting of international protection. They can benefit from the range of support services available to asylum seekers, including enhanced support to VoT in specialist accommodation (where applicable), or by referrals to specialist organisations to receive social or psychosocial support. However, in practice, there is no material difference in the level of support provided or services available.

Those granted international protection are given either refugee status or subsidiary protection. In 2024, France granted over 38% (54,369) of the 141,000+ cases decided. This was up from over 32% (44,560) of 136,000+ decisions in 2023.

Those granted refugee status or subsidiary protection are entitled to the same social security benefits, social housing, and healthcare as French nationals; they can bring their spouse (married, civil or common-law partner, aged 18 or over) and minor children to France; and apply for a specific document for travel outside the country. Those granted refugee status are entitled to a residence permit, valid for 10 years, which provides the right to live and work in France, and after the 10 years they have the right to permanent residence and naturalisation. Those granted subsidiary protection are entitled to receive a 4-year residence permit, which is renewable.

Those refused international protection can appeal to the National Court of Asylum (Cour Nationale du Droit d’Asile – CNDA). Decisions taken by the CNDA (‘first resort’) may be challenged before the Conseil d’État (Council of State). Between 2021 and 2024, CNDA decided over 60,000 appeals each year, with an allowed appeal rate that was consistently around 20%, and the average time taken to decide an appeal dropping year-on-year from just over 7 months to just over 5.

Those subject to removal can be subject to detention or house arrest. Detention is time limited. Persons detained are notified of this, the reasons for this and how they can challenge the decisions.

About this note

Section updated: 6 August 2025

1. Purpose

1.1.1 This Country Information Note (CIN) is to support Home Office decision makers when considering whether it is safe to return a person from the UK to France under the terms of the Treaty.

1.1.2 Decision makers must consider all claims on an individual basis, taking into account each case’s specific facts.

2. Legal framework

2.1.1 Section 80B(1) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (NIAA 2002) provides that a person’s asylum claim can be declared inadmissible if they have a specified connection (under 80BC) to a third country which is assessed as safe. Section 80B(4) NIAA 2002 defines when a third country is considered safe for a claimant.

2.1.2 If an asylum claim is declared inadmissible, Schedule 3 of the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (2004 Act) must then be considered, to determine whether the claimant may be removed from the UK to a country where they are not a national.

2.1.3 Part 2(2) of Schedule 3 to the 2004 Act lists France as a safe third country and (under Part 2(3)(1A)) a rebuttable presumption applies to France. This means that, unless a claimant can demonstrate otherwise, it must be treated as a place where a person’s rights under Article 3 ECHR would not be breached and they would not be removed in contravention of the ECHR.

2.1.4 An irrebuttable statutory presumption also applies to France (under Part 2(3)(2)), which must be treated as a place where a person’s life and liberty would not be threatened for one of the reasons in the 1951 Refugee Convention (race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion), and as a place from which a person would not be removed in contravention of the 1951 Refugee Convention.

3. Additional information

3.1.1 This note must be read together with other Home Office guidance:

• Inadmissibility: safe third country cases

• Considering Human Rights Claims

• Medical claims under Articles 3 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)

3.1.2 And other related information:

• UK/France: Agreement on the Prevention of Dangerous Journeys

Country information

About the country information

This section contains publicly available or disclosable country [of origin] information (COI) about the asylum system and linked human rights issues in France. The COI has been gathered, collated and analysed in line with the research methodology.

The structure and content follow a terms of reference which sets out the general and specific topics relevant to the scope of this note.

This document is intended to be comprehensive but not exhaustive. If a particular event, person or organisation is not mentioned this does not mean that the event did or did not take place or that the person or organisation does or does not exist.

The country information included was published or made publicly available on or before 6 August 2025. Any event taking place or report published after this date will not be included.

Throughout this note websites and reports in the French language have been translated to English using an online translation tool unless stated otherwise.

Decision makers must use relevant COI as the evidential basis for decisions.

4. Asylum/refugee law

4.1.1 France is a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, and to the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees^{[footnote 1]}.

4.1.2 France’s 1958 constitution provides the power to grant asylum^{[footnote 2]}.

4.1.3 The EU’s Common European Asylum System (CEAS) is governed by 5 legislative instruments and one agency:

• Asylum Procedures Directive

• Receptions Conditions Directive

• Qualification Directive

• Dublin Regulation

• EURODAC Regulation

• European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA)^{[footnote 3]}

4.1.4 The principle of non-refoulement is enshrined in international and regional legal frameworks to which France is a signatory^{[footnote 4] [footnote 5]}. At the national level, the principle is protected by Articles L. 511-4 and L. 721-2 of the French Code on Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right to Asylum (CESEDA)^{[footnote 6]}.

4.1.5 For more information on the French legal framework relevant to asylum procedures, protection, reception conditions, and detention, see the June 2025 report by Forum Réfugiés, a French refugee advocacy association^{[footnote 7]} published on the Asylum Information Database (AIDA)^{[footnote 8]}.

5. Protection status framework

5.1 Refugee status and subsidiary protection

5.1.1 The French Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information confirmed in July 2024 that, ‘There are two forms of asylum protection: refugee status and subsidiary protection’^{[footnote 9]}.

5.1.2 Service-Public (the French government’s official website for information about a person’s rights and obligations and administrative procedures^{[footnote 10]}) contains more information on the different eligibility criteria for refugee status and subsidiary protection^{[footnote 11]}.

5.2 Safe country concept

5.2.1 Forum Réfugiés noted that France applies the concept of safe countries of origin, and that under French law a country is considered safe ‘if it ensures respect for the principles of freedom, democracy and the rule of law, as well as human rights and fundamental freedoms.’^{[footnote 12]} Forum Réfugiés explained that applications from safe countries of origin are processed under an Accelerated Procedure^{[footnote 13]}. OFPRA described the eligibility criteria for the Accelerated Procedure and how the procedure operates^{[footnote 14]}. The list of designated safe countries of origin was last updated on 2 July 2021^{[footnote 15]}

5.3 Family reunification

5.3.1 A person who has been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection in France can bring their spouse (married, civil or common-law partner, aged 18 or over) and minor children, to France^{[footnote 16]}. Unmarried minors, who are granted refugee status or subsidiary protection, may apply for family reunification for their parents and unmarried minor siblings^{[footnote 17]}.

6. Refugee status determination (RSD) process

6.1 Roles and responsibilities

6.1.1 The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) noted that ‘In France, the national authorities are the ones responsible for processing applications for asylum (international protection) and deciding whether a person can benefit from protection.’^{[footnote 18]} The French Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information confirmed in July 2024 that, ‘The French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA) has sole jurisdiction to grant [asylum protection: refugee status and subsidiary protection] in France…’^{[footnote 19]}

6.1.2 Forum Réfugiés listed the authorities involved at each stage of the asylum process^{[footnote 20]}:

Stage of the procedure	Competent authority (EN/FR)
Application at the border	Border Unit, OFPRA	Division de l’asile à la frontière, OFPRA
Application on the territory	Prefecture /French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII)	Préfecture /Office Français de l’Immigration et l’Intégration (OFII)
Dublin procedure	Prefecture	Préfecture
Accelerated procedure	OFPRA	OFPRA
Refugee status determination	OFPRA	OFPRA
Appeal	National Court of Asylum (CNDA)	Cour nationale du droit d’asile (CNDA)
Onward appeal	Council of State	Conseil d’Etat
Subsequent application (admissibility)	OFPRA	OFPRA
Revocation/withdrawal	OFPRA	OFPRA

6.1.3 In correspondence with the Home Office, dated 24 July 2025, a representative of UNHCR France stated:

‘In France, UNHCR works to ensure that asylum-seekers, refugees, and stateless persons can effectively access their rights by monitoring reception conditions, supporting the asylum system, and promoting legal and policy alignment with international standards. While it does not process asylum claims or provide direct aid, it plays a key role in strengthening protection through advocacy, training, capacity development, technical support, while working with national institutions, civil society, legal professionals, the private sector, and refugee community.’^{[footnote 21]}

6.1.4 UNHCR’s most recent submission to the United Nation’s (UN) Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of France was made during France’s 3rd UPR cycle (the UNHCR submission is dated June 2017)^{[footnote 22]}.

6.2 Overview and timelines

6.2.1 OFPRA provided a step-by-step guide to submitting an asylum application, including details of the relevant authorities and timescales^{[footnote 23]}. UNHCR also provided guidance on how to claim asylum in France^{[footnote 24]}.

6.2.2 OFPRA produced a guide on asylum procedures (in French), which Forum Réfugiés noted ‘… has shown to be very useful both for asylum seekers and for practitioners. This includes information on the regular procedure, inadmissibility and accelerated procedures, appeals, the interview, the content of protection etc.’^{[footnote 25]}

6.2.3 Forum Réfugiés provided an overview of the end-to-end asylum process in the form of a flow chart^{[footnote 26]}:

6.2.4 Forum Réfugiés noted ‘In 2017, the Government set a target processing time of 2 months for asylum applications examined by OFPRA. However, the average first-instance processing time for all procedures was 4.5 months (138 days) in 2024…’^{[footnote 27]}

6.3 Interview and initial decision

6.3.1 OFPRA explained the interview process and its aims, noting that ‘Except in the situations provided for by law, the Office asks each applicant to attend an interview.’^{[footnote 28]} The interview is conducted by an OFPRA ‘protection officer’, and the asylum seeker’s statements are recorded^{[footnote 29]}. OFPRA has approximately 350 protection officers who examine asylum applications^{[footnote 30]}.

6.3.2 Asylum interviews with OFPRA are confidential^{[footnote 31]}. OFPRA noted that the protection officer who conducted the interview and examined the case will ‘… write a proposal for a decision, which will be signed by [the officer’s] superiors.’^{[footnote 32]} If the decision is:

• a grant of refugee status, no explanation is provided

• subsidiary protection, it ‘… contains a summary of the grounds making up the application and sets out the reasons why Ofpra has refused to grant refugee status.’

• negative, it ‘… contains a summary of the grounds making up the application and sets out the reasons why Ofpra has refused it.’^{[footnote 33]}

6.3.3 An asylum applicant is notified of the decision via their ‘personal digital space’ or by registered post^{[footnote 34]}.

6.3.4 In June 2025, Forum Réfugiés noted ‘… three evaluations were carried out by OFPRA and UNHCR in 2013, 2015 and 2017… The quality control system… was relaunched in 2023. It involves a double evaluation, by OFPRA supervisors and by experts appointed by the UNHCR representative … Supervised by the Vulnerability OFPRA Officer, it also checks that vulnerabilities are considered in OFPRA’s decisions. A first control exercise started in September 2023 and another one was planned for 2024. There is no information available regarding the result of these control exercises.’^{[footnote 35]}

6.3.5 See also Asylum and refugee statistics

6.4 Challenging a negative decision

6.4.1 Asylum applicants may appeal to the National Court of Asylum (Cour Nationale du Droit d’Asile - CNDA)^{[footnote 36]}. The CNDA has 26 permanent magistrates, 649 agents, and 498 temporary asylum judges^{[footnote 37]}

6.4.2 Decisions taken by the CNDA (‘first resort’) may be challenged before the Conseil d’État (Council of State)^{[footnote 38] [footnote 39]}. In 2024, 0.7% of CNDA decisions were appealed at the Council of State^{[footnote 40]}.

6.4.3 See also Asylum and refugee statistics

6.5 Further claims

6.5.1 OFPRA noted that if an initial asylum decision is rejected but circumstances in the country of origin have changed, or new evidence has come to light, the person can request that their asylum application be re-examined^{[footnote 41]}. A re-examination takes place under the accelerated procedure^{[footnote 42]}.

6.5.2 Forum Réfugiés noted that a ‘subsequent’ asylum application can also be made if an asylum claim is rejected by the CNDA at appeal^{[footnote 43]}. According to Forum Réfugiés, ‘There are no limits on the number of subsequent applications that can be introduced.’^{[footnote 44]}

6.6 Ineligibility/revocation of refugee status

6.6.1 OFPRA noted ‘Refugee status or the benefit of subsidiary protection is not granted to someone who meets the grounds of an exclusion clause [as defined by CESEDA and Article 1F of the 1951 Refugee Convention].’^{[footnote 45]}

6.6.2 OFPRA added that ‘Refugee status or the benefit of subsidiary protection is withdrawn when the refugee or beneficiary of subsidiary protection should have been excluded or, in light of circumstances that have arisen since such status or benefit was granted, now needs to be excluded.’^{[footnote 46]}

6.7 Dublin procedure

6.7.1 Service-Public explained what happened to claimants while the French authorities decided which country was responsible – under the Dublin Regulation – for their asylum application: ‘If you are already in France, you have the right to stay there temporarily. However, this right is valid only until the end of the procedure for determining the State responsible for your request and, possibly, until your actual transfer to that State…. You have the right to material reception conditions … You can also be under house arrest for the time necessary for the procedure for determining the State responsible for your application….’^{[footnote 47]}

6.7.2 See Accommodation type and eligibility

6.7.3 Service-Public explained that claimants have the right to bring proceedings before the Administrative Court to appeal against a decision to transfer their asylum claim to another country. In the event of an appeal to the Administrative Court, the transfer decision cannot be applied before the court’s decision. There is also a right to appeal the Administrative Court’s decision to the Administrative Court of Appeal^{[footnote 48]}.

6.8 Age disputes and age verification processes

6.8.1 Forum Réfugiés noted in June 2025 that: ‘… age assessment is not conducted within the framework of the asylum procedure but in a separate procedure, as a prerequisite to benefitting from the Childcare Protection system. This procedure is handled locally by each “département”. The age assessment procedure and criteria are detailed in a legal framework of 2016…’^{[footnote 49]} Individuals have the right to appeal to the juvenile judge if they are assessed to be over 18^{[footnote 50]}.

6.8.2 The Group for Information and Support of Immigrants (GISTI) is a Paris-based organisation which provides free legal advice to migrants^{[footnote 51]}. In an article updated on 5 November 2024, GISTI noted that France has an obligation to protect unaccompanied foreign minors until age 18, even if they have not made an asylum application. GISTI added that unaccompanied minors can request child protection from the ASE (Aide sociale à l’enfance), which will assist with housing, health insurance, and education^{[footnote 52]}.

6.8.3 In December 2023, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) noted that ‘… despite its previous recommendations, the situation of asylum-seeking and migrant children remains unchanged.’^{[footnote 53]} The CRC expressed their particular concern at France’s ‘Arbitrary age assessment practices, including the continued use of bone tests, despite the significant margin of error, as confirmed by the Constitutional Council, and the discretionary application of the concept of “manifest minority”.’^{[footnote 54]}

6.8.4 In correspondence with the Home Office dated 24 July 2025, UNHCR France, with reference to a parliamentary report published on 1 April 2025^{[footnote 55]} and associated commentary by Forum Réfugiés^{[footnote 56]} noted:

‘[The report] highlights numerous shortcomings in the public child protection policy. Forum Réfugiés notes that another part of the report addresses the care of unaccompanied minors (UAMs) once they have been formally placed under the care of Child Social Services (ASE). On this issue, Forum Réfugiés describes the minors as “victims of a two-tier child protection system,” facing “unequal treatment between departments” and “often receiving lower-quality care compared to other children.” Some departmental councils continue to place these minors in hotels in violation of the law or direct them to “other types of precarious or inadequate accommodation,” while risks of trafficking as well as health (especially mental health), education, and other essential needs are generally poorly addressed.’^{[footnote 57]}

6.9 Detention for the purpose of the asylum procedure

6.9.1 Forum Réfugiés noted that ‘French law does not allow detention of asylum seekers for the purpose of the asylum procedure.’^{[footnote 58]}

6.9.2 According to Forum Réfugiés, generally, asylum seekers in detention were those who had ‘… lodged a request for asylum while in an administrative detention centre (centre de rétention administrative, CRA) awaiting removal, as well as those detained pending a transfer under the Dublin Regulation. The decision ordering the detention of asylum seekers is always taken by the Prefecture.’^{[footnote 59]}

6.9.3 Forum Réfugiés noted that, ‘In practice, the length of stay of asylum seekers who have claimed asylum while in CRA is difficult to assess. On average, third-country nationals remained 28.5 days in administrative detention centres of mainland France in 2022 [sic 2023].’^{[footnote 60]}

6.9.4 Forum Réfugiés further noted that:

‘Until 2024, asylum seekers were not placed in administrative detention centres for the purpose of the asylum procedure. Persons who claimed asylum during their administrative detention for the purpose of removal could only be maintained in detention (maintien en rétention) if, based on a motivated and written decision, the Prefect considers that the claim aims solely to avoid imminent removal…

‘This legal framework was extended with a new law, adopted in January 2024. It allows for 1. the detention of asylum seekers presenting a threat to public order… and 2. The detention of asylum seekers expressing their wish to request asylum in another place than in the prefecture… – for example during an arrest – and presenting a risk of absconding (2 cumulative conditions).’^{[footnote 61]}

6.9.5 Forum Réfugiés added that ‘… newly arrived asylum seekers can be placed in administrative detention, when they have started their registration process but are arrested while official confirmation of registration is still pending, since these procedures can sometimes take several weeks.’^{[footnote 62]}

6.9.6 If a person arriving in France by boat, train or plane claims asylum at the border they can be placed in a transit zone (waiting area)^{[footnote 63]}. The initial holding by border police in the waiting area is 4 days maximum and subject to judicial extensions, cannot exceed 20 days in total^{[footnote 64]}.

6.9.7 See Immigration detention

6.10 Border controls

6.10.1 Forum Réfugiés stated: ‘… France has regularly re-introduced border controls at its internal borders in recent years, including continuously since 2015,’ which according to the source, ‘… aim to prevent asylum seekers from accessing France’^{[footnote 65]}.

6.10.2 The Défenseur des Droits (DDD, or Ombudsman) is an independent administrative authority responsible for ensuring that citizens’ freedoms and rights are respected^{[footnote 66]}. (See Human rights oversight). The DDD made 2 visits to the French-Italian border - in February 2022 and April 2023 - to investigate complaints about the reception and care of migrants. On 23 April 2024, the DDD published a Framework Decision, which contained the results of both inspections^{[footnote 67]}. The DDD concluded that ‘…there is a serious, widespread, and lasting obstacle to access to the asylum procedure at the Franco-Italian border…’^{[footnote 68]} (translated in house):

7. Information and assistance

7.1 Legal representation

7.1.1 OFPRA noted that, during their asylum interview, claimants have the right to be accompanied by a lawyer or a member of an authorised association^{[footnote 69]}. OFPRA provided a list of authorised associations on its website^{[footnote 70]}. Watizat, the information guide for exiles, provided a list of organisations offering free legal assistance^{[footnote 71]}.

7.1.2 The French MoI April 2023 report to the EUAA noted the stage at which asylum applicants were entitled to free legal aid: ‘After OFPRA [has] rejected his/her asylum application, the applicant may request, as foreseen by the law of the 10th July 1991 n°91-647, for legal aid to be defended at the CNDA’^{[footnote 72]} The report added that legal aid was ‘… provided free of charge, if the applicant asks for it within 15 days after the notification of the OFPRA negative decision.’^{[footnote 73]}

7.1.3 The CNDA website sets out the procedure for challenging a CNDA decision at the Council of State, including provision of legal representation: ‘The appeal to the Council of State (called an appeal to the Court of Cassation) must be submitted by a lawyer to the Council of State and the Court of Cassation. If your resources do not allow you to present such an appeal to the Council of State, you have the option of applying for legal aid from the legal aid office of the Council of State.’^{[footnote 74]}

7.1.4 Unaccompanied minors must be represented by a guardian or ad hoc administrator (legal representative appointed by the Prefecture) to register and progress their asylum claim^{[footnote 75] [footnote 76]}.

7.2 Interpreters/translators

7.2.1 Dacim (part of OFPRA) oversees the interpretation service. OFPRA noted:

‘The interpretation service ensures the availability of interpreters for the interviews with asylum seekers and beneficiaries of protection.

‘Interpreters are not employed by Ofpra but rather by interpreting agencies who hold contracts with the public sector (marchés publics), namely with Ofpra and the CNDA, to carry out the necessary translation services during the interviews.’^{[footnote 77]}

7.2.2 OFPRA noted that, when registering an asylum claim at the GUDA (asylum application centre), during the initial interview the claimant can select the language in which they want the rest of the procedure to be conducted, including their interview with OFPRA^{[footnote 78]}. A 2018 document listed the Languages available at OFPRA.

7.2.3 See also Identification and treatment of vulnerable claimants, Support for asylum seekers who are victims of trafficking, Healthcare entitlement of asylum seekers and refugees and NGOs supporting asylum seekers and refugees

7.3 Identification and treatment of vulnerable claimants

7.3.1 A report by the French Ministry of Interior (MoI) to the EUAA, dated 17 April 2023, noted that the needs of vulnerable people were taken into account by the OFII agent at the GUDA when assessing reception conditions^{[footnote 79]}.

‘The OFII officer will identify in particular “minors, unaccompanied minors, people with disabilities, elderly people, pregnant women, single parents with minor children, victims of trafficking in human beings, people with serious illnesses, people with mental disorders and people who have been subjected to torture, rape or other serious forms of psychological, physical or sexual violence, such as female genital mutilation”. The need for accommodation takes into account the family composition and objective vulnerability detected during the interview. There are dedicated accommodation places for victims of trafficking in human beings (THB) or violence against women, as well as dedicated places for the LGBT applicants.

‘If the applicant spontaneously mentions health problems, he/she may be subject to a procedure known as MEDZO advice, which allows the OFII doctor to assess and specify his/her needs while guaranteeing respect for medical confidentiality. The applicant can be cared for in specific accommodation structures, with specialised support.’^{[footnote 80]}

7.3.2 The same report noted:

‘The “vulnerabilities plan” of French asylum authorities, adopted in May 2021, draws several actions designed for a better and faster detection of vulnerabilities amongst applicants, including the training of all the institutional and associative actors contributing to this process and the identification of a specialists network, an improved targeted communication on the asylum process to vulnerable public, an expansion of dedicated accommodation places, a wider awareness of health professionals to psycho-trauma, a better follow-up care, a special attention to UAMs [unaccompanied minors].’^{[footnote 81]}

7.3.3 In exceptional cases, OFPRA can authorise the presence of a trusted third party at the asylum interview, for example, a mental health professional^{[footnote 82]}, or a healthcare professional who supports a person with a disability^{[footnote 83]}. Interviewees may also request that their asylum interview be conducted by an officer and with an interpreter of a specific gender^{[footnote 84]}.

7.3.4 A February 2025 UNHCR-France factsheet noted that government and NGO staff participate in training organised by UNHCR related to the identification of people with vulnerabilities^{[footnote 85]}.

7.4 Support for asylum seekers who are victims of trafficking

7.4.1 The French government’s October 2022 Training Guide on ‘Identifying and protecting victims of human trafficking’ stated that the length of time taken to process an asylum application may be adapted for an applicant identified as particularly vulnerable in order to facilitate the gathering of facts or even to speed up the granting of protection. This may involve processing the application as a priority or taking a longer processing time, particularly when the explaining of events and fears makes this necessary.

The asylum-seeker is summoned to a confidential interview which takes place, unless otherwise stated, at the OFPRA headquarters in Fontenay-sous-Bois. The interview is held in the language chosen by the applicant, with the assistance of an interpreter, unless the person opted to speak in French. They may be assisted by a lawyer or by a representative of an association authorised by OFPRA (under Article L. 531-15 of CESEDA) or by a specific third party for asylum-seekers with disabilities (under Article L. 531-18 of CESEDA). The asylum-seeker may be interviewed by an officer and interpreter of their gender of choice, if this is justified by a difficulty in discussing all the elements of their application, particularly sexual violence.

During the interview, an officer trained to understand human trafficking and supported by representatives of the OFPRA Human Trafficking group invites the applicant to discuss their life story, the reasons for their departure from their country, and the circumstances in which they became a victim of human trafficking. The interview also covers how the person escaped their traffickers and their fears of returning to their country of origin.

The officer subsequently examines the asylum application, taking into account the information gathered during the interview, the information available on the country of origin, and any documents included in the file. The officer also decides on the legal classification of the facts; under the law, the situation of former victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation may qualify for refugee status within the meaning of the 1951 Geneva Convention, based on membership of a particular social group (Article L. 511-1 of CESEDA). Failing that, it is covered by subsidiary protection (Article L. 512-1,2° of CESEDA).

Throughout the investigation, any vulnerability linked to trafficking can be reported to OFPRA^{[footnote 86]}. (Information translated from French in house.)

7.4.2 The 2024 TiP report noted:

‘… The government offered a specialized support program for asylum-seekers who were trafficking victims, but it required victims to be formally recognized; the program provided secure lodging, psychological support, and a path to request asylum… In its 2022 report, GRETA [Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings] cited instances where trafficking victims in the asylum system had numerous interactions with law enforcement but were never identified as victims, and where NGOs had identified trafficking victims, but law enforcement disagreed or deported the victim despite the victim having lodged a complaint.’^{[footnote 87]}

7.4.3 The French Government’s February 2025 response to GRETA’s questionnaire (see section on Modern slavery/trafficking Monitoring mechanisms) explained that during asylum interviews potential victims of trafficking (VoT) are informed of the possibility of cooperating with law enforcement efforts but are also told that this process is separate from their asylum application and not a prerequisite for granting of international protection^{[footnote 88]}.

7.4.4 The French Government’s February 2025 response added that Protection Officers – who conduct asylum interviews – refer potential VoT to specialist associations to receive social or psychosocial support^{[footnote 89]}. The response also noted that the list of organisations authorized to accompany asylum seekers to their interview at OFPRA included organisations which specialised in supporting VoT, such as Amicale du Nid, Mouvement du Nid and the Association Foyer Jorbalan (AFJ)^{[footnote 90]}.

7.4.5 The French Government’s February 2025 response reported that the national reception system, which provides accommodation and support for asylum seekers, had 300 places specifically reserved for female victims of violence and/or human trafficking, and that those residents benefited from enhanced support^{[footnote 91]}.

7.4.6 The French government’s Training Guide of October 2022 stated that victims of trafficking seeking asylum are accommodated under article L. 552-1 of CESEDA, namely, in reception centres for asylum-seekers (CADA) and emergency accommodation for asylum-seekers (HUDA). Under Article L.349-1 of CASF (Code of Social Action and Families), foreign victims of trafficking who have been recognised as refugees or granted subsidiary protection may also be accommodated in a temporary accommodation centre (CPH). There are 300 places specialised in the reception and support of asylum-seekers or refugees who are victims of trafficking [this compares to an accommodation estate of 101,219 places in 2025^{[footnote 92]}]. These places comply with specific requirements in terms of secure shelter and additional support (provided for in the second National Action Plan). Referral to these places is made by OFII via its network within the territorial directorates, to whom a trafficking situation can be reported by the various actors in the asylum chain (initial reception structures, operators of the national reception system and specialised associations, or OFPRA)^{[footnote 93]}. (translated from French in house).

7.4.7 UNHCR France’s website provides resources for asylum seekers and refugees, including guidance on how a person can protect themselves from exploitation and trafficking, plus a list of organisations to contact to report exploitation/trafficking or to receive support. These documents are available in multiple languages, including English, French, Arabic, Dari, Bengali and Albanian^{[footnote 94]}.

7.4.8 See also Accommodation type and eligibility and Modern slavery/trafficking

8. Documentation

8.1 Residence permits

8.1.1 A person granted refugee status by OFPRA or CNDA is entitled to a residence permit valid for 10 years, which provides the right to live and work in France^{[footnote 95] [footnote 96]}.

8.1.2 A person granted subsidiary protection is entitled to receive a 4-year ‘multi-year’ residence permit, which is renewable^{[footnote 97] [footnote 98]}.

8.2 Travel documents

8.2.1 Refugies.info, which provides information for refugees in France, stated that ‘The travel document for foreigners (TVE) is a document reserved for beneficiaries of international protection (refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, stateless persons) who [sic] allows you to travel outside France. It can be used as a passport and an identity document.’^{[footnote 99]}

8.2.2 Forum Réfugiés noted that ‘Travel documents [for beneficiaries of international protection] are issued by Prefecture. In practice, no specific problem has been reported, except the fact that prefectures can be very slow in delivering the document.’^{[footnote 100]}

8.2.3 See also Freedom of movement

9. Asylum and refugee statistics

9.1.1 In 2024, France was the fourth most popular destination for asylum applicants within the EU, receiving 131,791 applications (15.7% of all applications in the EU)^{[footnote 101]}. As of November 2024 there were 67,429 pending cases in France^{[footnote 102]}.

9.1.2 For a detailed breakdown of the asylum seeker and refugee population in France see the 2024 Activity Report of the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA). The report provides information split by nationality, age, sex and outcome of claim^{[footnote 103]}.

9.1.3 The French Interior Ministry published the outcomes of asylum claims in 2024^{[footnote 104]} (all information translated from French in house):

	2024
Asylum claims registered at OFPRA	153,596
First decisions by OFPRA	141,842
Of which asylum grants (E)	54,369
OFPRA grant rate (first decision)	38.8%
Appeals received by CNDA	56,497
CNDA decisions, excluding minors	61,593
Including allowed appeals (F)	13,106
OFPRA grants for accompanied minors following allowed appeals for the adults by the CNDA (G)	2,750
Total asylum grants (E)+(F)+(G)	70,225
Protection rate	49.3%

9.1.4 Statistics drawn from the CNDA show the number of cases decided, the allowed appeal rate and the average time taken for the appeal.

Year	Cases Judged/Decided	Decisions granting protection	Protection rate	Refugee vs Subsidiary Protection	Average time taken
2021[footnote 105]	68,403	15,112	22.1%	66%-34%	7 months, 8 days
2022[footnote 106]	67,142	14,450	21.5%	73%-27%	6 months, 16 days
2023[footnote 107]	66,358	13,606	20.5%	70%-30%	6 months, 3 days
2024[footnote 108]	61,593	13,106	21.3%	66%-34%	5 months, 9 days

10. Support available for asylum seekers and refugees

10.1 Accommodation type and eligibility

10.1.1 Forum Réfugiés noted the national reception scheme, established in law and managed by OFII, ensured ‘… the distribution of accommodation places for asylum seekers throughout the national territory, and their allocation thereto. In parallel and in compliance with the national reception scheme, regional schemes are defined and implemented by Prefects in each region.’^{[footnote 109]}

10.1.2 Accommodation is funded by the State, but management is through a semi-public company (Adoma) or awarded via tender to NGOs, such as Forum Réfugiés, France terre d’asile, l’Ordre de Malte, Coallia and the French Red Cross^{[footnote 110]}.

10.1.3 Regarding access to reception facilities, the French MoI report to the EUAA, (17 April 2023), noted: ‘… The applicant has access to reception facilities, which provide accommodation dedicated to asylum seekers with a specific social support offered by the NGO or entity in charge of managing the reception centre, and to an allowance (“allocation pour demandeur d’asile”)…’^{[footnote 111]}

10.1.4 Forum Réfugiés stated that the accommodation facilities for asylum seekers under the national reception scheme were:

• ‘Accommodation centres for asylum seekers (CADA)

• ‘Emergency accommodation for asylum seekers (HUDA, AT-SA, PRAHDA, Reception and orientation centres (CAO, Centre d’accueil et d’orientation))

• ‘Reception and administrative situation examination centres (CAES).’^{[footnote 112]}

10.1.5 The Government of France confirmed that ‘Currently, the national reception system includes the CADAs, the HUDAs, the PRAHDAs, the CAES and the CPHs.’^{[footnote 113]}. For more information on CPHs (Centres provisoires d’hébergement) see Accommodation for those granted international protection.

10.1.6 Asylum seekers accommodated under the scheme receive an address certificate allowing them to open a bank account and receive mail^{[footnote 114]}.

10.1.7 Citing government sources, Forum Réfugiés noted the number of state-funded accommodation places available from 2020 to 2025, by type^{[footnote 115]}:

Accommodation type	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
CADA	43,602	46,632	46,632	49,242	49,190	49,190
HUDA	51,826	52,160	52,160	52,950	51,891	45,362
CAES	3,136	5,122	6,622	6,622	6,167	6,667
Total	98,564	103,914	105,414	108,814	107,248	101,219

10.1.8 Forum Réfugiés noted that ‘… CADA are the main form of accommodation provided to asylum seekers. They include both collective and private accommodations that are located either within the same building or in scattered apartments.’^{[footnote 116]} Forum Réfugiés added that living conditions in CADA ‘… are deemed adequate, and there are no reports of overcrowding in reception centres.’^{[footnote 117]}

10.1.9 Referring to the OFII 2022 Activity Report, Forum Réfugiés noted ‘The average length of stay in CADA in 2022 was 524 days. The average length of stay in CADA in 2023 was not available by the time of writing of this report.’^{[footnote 118]} A person can remain in a reception centre for a month after their asylum claim has been rejected^{[footnote 119]}.

10.1.10 The website Retab.fr described CADA as ‘… a system offering accommodation and administrative support to asylum seekers with a residence permit. Accommodation is provided while their refugee application file is being studied.’^{[footnote 120]} Retab.fr identified 164 CADA establishments and provided a map showing their location^{[footnote 121]}:

10.1.11 A Decree of 13 January 2021 explained the purpose of CAES as being: ‘… an integral part of the National Reception System (DNA) managed by the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII)… [CAES constitutes] the first-level system of care within the DNA.’^{[footnote 122]}

10.1.12 The Decree sets out that the maximum length of stay at CAES is one month, after which the asylum seeker is referred to ‘… a DNA downstream accommodation place.’^{[footnote 123]}

10.1.13 The Government of France confirmed that ‘The CAES are temporary reception centres, where applicants are accommodated in principle for a period of one month before being directed to a 2nd level accommodation centre (CAHA/HUDA/PRAHDA). Asylum seekers are directed to accommodation according to the availability of a suitable place at the time, whether it is in CAHA, HUDA or PRAHDA.’^{[footnote 124]}.

10.1.14 According to the Decree, the functions of the CAES include:

• ‘temporary reception and accommodation…

• ‘support in legal and administrative procedures, in particular with [OFPRA]

• ‘social and health diagnosis, referral to downstream care mechanisms and support in opening up social rights

• ‘reporting vulnerabilities to the OFII…’^{[footnote 125]}

10.1.15 Forum Réfugiés explained that the State had developed emergency schemes (HUDA and PRAHDA) due to lack of capacity in the CADA. Both schemes provided accommodation for asylum seekers, including in hotels. HUDA (hébergement d’urgence dédié aux demandeurs d’asile) is a decentralised scheme, whereas PRAHDA (programme regional d’accueil et d’hébergement des demandeurs d’asile,) is managed at the national level^{[footnote 126]}.

10.1.16 Forum Réfugiés, citing other sources, reported that asylum seekers under the Dublin procedure are excluded from CADA and ‘… can in theory benefit from emergency accommodation [HUDA and PRAHDA] up until effective transfer… [but in practice] many persons subject to Dublin procedures (applicants or returnees) live on the streets or in squats because of the overall lack of places. At the end of 2023, only 10,909 out of 36,917 asylum seekers under Dublin procedure were accommodated (29.6%).’^{[footnote 127]} This information is referenced to La Cimade, a French NGO with the mission to defend ‘… the dignity and rights of refugees and migrants.’^{[footnote 128]} CPIT were unable to locate the original La Cimade article so the origin or method of collection of the statistics is unknown.

10.1.17 The Government of France explained that ‘the CADA, HUDA and PRAHDA offer similar reception conditions in practice. However, people in the Dublin procedure cannot be accommodated in CADA, and are therefore referred to HUDA and PRAHDA.’^{[footnote 129]}.

10.1.18 However, La Cimade has published other information covering the Dublin procedure. In a report published in June 2024, La Cimade stated that, if summonses under the Dublin procedure explicitly mention transfer to a third country and the person does not attend twice or appears without their children, they are considered to have absconded and their benefits are withdrawn. However, La Cimade reported that in practice, according to several disputes against OFII, benefits have been cut off after a single absence, not two, which is illegal under current caselaw. La Cimade reported that the exact number of people considered to have absconded and whose benefits have been withdrawn is not known, as OFII does not provide these statistics. La Cimade estimated that several thousand people were affected^{[footnote 130]}. La Cimade does not explain how they reached this estimation. (All information translated from French in house.)

10.1.19 In the same June 2024 report, La Cimade noted that after 18 months, a claimant under the Dublin procedure who is judged to have been ‘on the run’ can request the reclassification of their asylum claim and its consideration under the normal or accelerated asylum procedure. They can then request the reinstatement of their material benefits, including accommodation. In Paris, once they have made this request, they must be summoned by OFII for a vulnerability assessment, but in practice, many people were not summoned. According to La Cimade, if the person does not have any particular health problems, their application for reinstatement of benefits will be rejected on the grounds that they did not previously comply with the Dublin procedure. OFII assesses a person’s vulnerability, including medical details and accommodation situation and if assessed as not vulnerable a request to reinstate benefits is refused. La Cimade noted regional variations in application; in Créteil and Bobigny, the OFII staff do not respond to requests for material benefits to be reinstated, and in other areas, such as Cergy and Montrouge, a person must insist in order to obtain an appointment^{[footnote 131]}. (All information translated from French in house.)

10.1.20 On 5 September 2024, La Cimade reported that, after making several requests, it had received information on the Dublin procedure from the Interior Ministry. By cross-referencing data from the Ministry of the Interior and that of OFII for the year 2022, La Cimade concluded that a small proportion of claimants under the Dublin procedure had accommodation. La Cimade noted that if a person has not been transferred to another country within 6 months under the Dublin procedure, France becomes responsible for examining the asylum application. The deadline is extended by a further year if the applicant has absconded. From 2019 to 2021, 33,682 deadline extensions were made under the Dublin procedure due to the applicant having absconded. According to La Cimade, these extensions resulted in the systematic withdrawal of the material conditions of reception by the OFII, which, La Cimade commented, OFII claimed not to collect statistics on. La Cimade estimated that a third of the withdrawals of material benefits were linked to applicants having absconded. [La Cimade did not provide an explanation for the basis of its estimation] La Cimade further noted that the Ministry of the Interior’s statistics did not appear to account for the outcome or whereabouts for 41,000 people registered under the Dublin procedure from 2016 to 2023 and that more accurate data were required^{[footnote 132]}. (All information translated from French in house.)

10.1.21 Regarding capacity of the national reception scheme, Forum Réfugiés stated:

‘In 2024, the number of asylum seekers accommodated remained far below the number of persons registering an application. At the end of the year, the Ministry of Interior stated that 64% of asylum seekers eligible to material reception conditions – i.e., 90,329 persons in total at the end of December 2024 according to OFII – were effectively accommodated (compared to 59% at the end of 2023) i.e. 58,000 persons. If we add asylum seekers who do not benefit from reception conditions, we can consider that almost 90,000 asylum seekers were not accommodated in dedicated places in France as of the end of 2024 (according to Eurostat, 147,950 asylum applications were pending in France at the end of 2024) – a part of them (unknown) however did not express the need to be accommodated.’^{[footnote 133]}

10.1.22 Forum Réfugiés also noted that ‘Many reception centres have been organised so as to receive families or couples, thereby making it difficult for single men or women to be accommodated.’^{[footnote 134]}

10.1.23 The Government of France explained that ‘The 2013 Reception Directive currently in force, like the 2024 Directive, allows for the provision of material reception conditions in kind or in the form of a financial allowance. France uses these two means of providing material reception conditions to cover accommodation needs, which explains the discrepancy between the number of asylum seekers and the number of accommodation places’^{[footnote 135]}.

10.1.24 Forum Réfugiés noted that reception conditions can be denied when the asylum seeker:

• refuses to go to their allocated region

• refuses their accommodation option, either at the GUDA or by not showing up within 5 days

• makes a subsequent application

• registers a claim more than 90 days after entering France (without a valid reason)^{[footnote 136]}

10.1.25 The French MoI’s report to the EUAA noted that material reception conditions can be totally or partly refused when a subsequent application (re-examination request) is lodged. However, it may be granted, depending on the person’s circumstances^{[footnote 137]}.

10.1.26 In case material reception conditions are withdrawn, the French MoI noted:

‘… those in need can access the universal emergency housing system provided in France for homeless persons…

‘Pursuant to the article L. 345-2 2 of the Code of social action and families, a homeless person, in medical, physical or social distress has access to universal emergency housing system. An accommodation solution shall be proposed to every person, regardless of their age, wealth, or their stay situation.

‘This article L. 345-2 2 states that this emergency housing shall allow the applicant to benefit from housing, food, health, a first medical, psychic and social examination and to be oriented towards any kind of shelter.’^{[footnote 138]}

10.1.27 A review of caselaw from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) since 2020, indicated 2 judgments relevant to the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers where France was found to have breached asylum seekers’ ECHR rights:

• N.H and Others v France, judgment of 2 July 2020 – Article 3 breach. The Court held that the living conditions for 3 homeless asylum seekers amounted to degrading treatment

• M.K. and Others v France, judgment of 8 December 2022 – Article 6 breach (right of access to a court). The Court held that the State failed to enforce orders made by the urgent-applications judge of the Administrative Court relating to the provision of emergency accommodation for asylum seekers

10.1.28 The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which monitors the execution of ECtHR judgments, considered France’s implementation of N.H. The ECtHR was satisfied that the Government of France had adopted the necessary measures to implement the judgment^{[footnote 139]}. A resolution has not yet been issued in the case of M.K, indicating that monitoring is still ongoing^{[footnote 140]}.

10.2 Accommodation for those granted international protection

10.2.1 Forum Réfugiés reported that beneficiaries of international protection were ‘… allowed to stay in reception centres 3 months following the positive OFPRA decision. This period can be renewed for 3 months with the express agreement of OFII. No exception[s] are provided for vulnerable people.’^{[footnote 141]}

10.2.2 Forum Réfugiés noted that ‘Beneficiaries can be sent to temporary accommodation centres (Centres provisoires d’hébergement, CPH) upon an OFII decision…. At the end of 2023, there were 10,655 places in CPH spread across the different regions [of which] 66 are dedicated to vulnerable women who are victims of violence or human trafficking.’^{[footnote 142]}

10.2.3 According to Forum Réfugiés, CPH provides accommodation for the period before refugees are moved to permanent housing. CPH are particularly intended for the most vulnerable people who require enhanced support. Decisions on admission to the CPH are made exclusively by OFII. The usual stay is for 9 months but this may exceptionally be extended by periods of 3 months, if a request is made to OFII.^{[footnote 143]}.

10.2.4 The website Retab.fr described CPH as temporary accommodation centres ‘…dedicated to the reception of refugees who have obtained their residence permit. The CPH takes over from the CADA (Asylum Seekers’ Reception Centre). The centres offer temporary accommodation and support (access to rights, schooling, medical follow-up, etc.). The duration of stay is 6 months.’^{[footnote 144]} Retab.fr identified 50 CPH establishments and provided a map showing their location^{[footnote 145]}:

10.2.5 A person aged over 18 who has been granted international protection (refugee status or subsidiary protection) can apply for social housing (HLM) if their finances do not exceed a maximum amount^{[footnote 146]}. The Service-Public explained the conditions for obtaining social housing.

10.2.6 A person with international protection who is not eligible for social housing will fall under the general rules applicable to foreigners and obtain housing through the private market^{[footnote 147]}.

10.3 Humanitarian and financial assistance

10.3.1 Forum Réfugiés explained:

‘The allowance for asylum seekers (allocation pour demandeur d’asile, ADA) is granted to asylum seekers above 18 years old, who accept material conditions proposed by OFII and remain eligible for reception conditions. Only one allowance per household is allowed. The payment of the allocation ends at the end of the month of the decision ending the right to remain on the territory.

‘The amount of the ADA is calculated on the basis of resources, type of accommodation provided and age criteria. Family composition, in particular the number of children, is considered in the calculation of the ADA. The total amount is re-evaluated once a year, if needed, to take into account the inflation rate.’^{[footnote 148]}

10.3.2 ADA is composed of a daily amount, which may be topped up (by 7.40 Euros) depending on accommodation availability^{[footnote 149] [footnote 150]}. Daily amounts for ADA, as of 16 May 2024, were^{[footnote 151]}:

Family size	Daily amount (€)	Daily amount + top-up (€)
1 person	6.80	14.20
2 people	10.20	17.60
3 people	13.60	21.00
4 people	17.00	24.40
5 people	20.40	27.80
6 people	23.80	31.20
7 people	27.20	34.60
8 people	30.60	38.00
9 people	34.00	41.40
10 people	37.40	44.80

10.3.3 In correspondence, the Government of France clarified that the 7.40 Euros (per day for a single person), is an additional daily allowance paid to beneficiaries who are not accommodated free of charge^{[footnote 152]}.

10.3.4 ADA payments are managed by the OFII and are placed on a withdrawal or payment card (like a debit card) on a monthly basis^{[footnote 153] [footnote 154]}. Payments start within a maximum of 21 days of registering an asylum application with OFPRA^{[footnote 155]}.

10.3.5 People granted refugee status or subsidiary protection are entitled to the same social security benefits as French nationals^{[footnote 156]}. They can register and request financial assistance from the Family Allowance Fund (CAF)^{[footnote 157]}.

11. Healthcare

11.1 Healthcare entitlement of asylum seekers and refugees

11.1.1 The French MoI informed the EUAA in its April 2023 report that:

‘An applicant for international protection is entitled to full health care coverage: Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa), as well as Complémentaire Santé Solidaire (CSS), a supplemental health insurance program.

‘Access to complete health care is immediate for minors and requires three months of residence in France for an applicant who has attained his/her majority.

‘During this three-month period, the applicant for international protection has guaranteed access to urgent care:

• ‘Care where the vital prognosis is involved and the absence of care could lead to a serious and lasting deterioration in the health of the person or an unborn child;

• ‘Care to prevent the spread of a disease to others or the community;

• ‘Care of a pregnant woman and a newborn (preventive examinations during and after pregnancy, childbirth);

• ‘Abortion (voluntary or for medical reasons).

‘Besides, he/she can also benefit from free medical consultations through health care access permanencies (PASS) [Permanence d’Accès aux Soins de Santé] in health facilities or with certain associations (SAMU Social, Croix Rouge Française, Médecins du Monde) for dental, ophthalmological or psychological care.’^{[footnote 158]}

11.1.2 Beneficiaries of international protection are entitled to the same healthcare as French citizens^{[footnote 159]},^{[footnote 160]}.

11.1.3 Forum Réfugiés noted:

‘Asylum seekers under the regular procedure, like any other third-country nationals below a certain income level, have access to healthcare thanks to the Universal Health Protection Scheme (PUMA). Since January 2020, the 3-month residence requirement applies to all adult asylum seekers without exception. During the first three months, they only have access to emergency health coverage (Dispositif Soins Urgents et Vitaux). Children have access to health care coverage upon arrival. After this 3-month period, asylum seekers benefit from the PUMA…

‘Persons who have no right to remain on the territory, including rejected asylum seekers, benefit from the PUMA for six months after the end of validity of the asylum claim certificate … After this period, State Medical Aid (AME) enables them to receive free treatments in hospitals as well as in any doctors’ offices.’^{[footnote 161]}

11.1.4 The French Interior Ministry explained how asylum seekers access PUMa and CSS:

‘The PUMa allows the applicant to be covered free of charge for all his medical and hospital expenses, for him/herself, his/her spouse, as well as his/her children.

‘To benefit from it, the applicant must send their application to the Primary Health Insurance Fund (CPAM) [Caisse primaire d’assurance maladie] of their department of domicile. They can be helped in this process by the accommodation centre of the national reception system in which they are accommodated or by the first reception structure for asylum seekers (SPADA) [structure de premier accueil des demandeurs d’asile] responsible for offering them social, legal and administrative support throughout the duration of their asylum procedure.

‘Entitlement to CSS is means-tested and valid for one year. At the end of this period, it is necessary to apply for their renewal.’^{[footnote 162]}

11.1.5 The French Interior Ministry also explained how an asylum-seeker can access urgent care:

‘To benefit from [urgent care], asylum seekers can go to the health care access offices (PASS) located in hospitals. They will be taken care of by doctors and medicines can be delivered to them free of charge.

‘In addition, some associations offer permanent access to dental, ophthalmological or psychological care without the need to be insured by social insurance.

‘Finally, the department’s centres often house maternal and child protection services (PMI) [protection maternelle et infantile] responsible for the regular monitoring of children and their vaccination, and family planning and education centres for women (information on contraception and maternity follow-up). Applicants can benefit from these services even before they join PUMa [protection universelle maladie].’^{[footnote 163]}

11.1.6 The Government of France confirmed that ‘During the three-month waiting period, urgent care is provided via the PASS or via the Emergency Department in hospital facilities.’^{[footnote 164]}

11.1.7 The Government of France also explained that it is doctors who determine whether someone has a ‘serious and lasting deterioration in health’, necessary to access the urgent health care within that 3-month period and that the 3-month period is strictly applied^{[footnote 165]}.

11.1.8 Psycom, a public organisation that informs, guides and raises awareness about mental health^{[footnote 166]}, provided more detail on the services offered by PASS, including PASS-Psy:

‘Healthcare Access Centers (PASS) are facilities located in hospitals and designed to help people in precarious situations. PASS centers facilitate access to the healthcare system and care for these individuals in hospitals, as well as in healthcare, reception, and social support networks. People are seen by a multidisciplinary team (doctors, nurses, social service assistants, etc.). Some PASS are developed within psychiatric hospitals and may then be referred to as PASS-Psy.’^{[footnote 167]}

11.1.9 For more information on PASS-Psy see Mental health

11.2 Healthcare structure

11.2.1 A November 2024 article by Generis Global, a legal services firm (Generis Global November 2024 article) noted:

‘The public healthcare structure in France is designed to provide universal access to healthcare services for all residents…

‘At the heart of the public healthcare system are hospitals and clinics, which serve as the primary institutions for delivering health services. Public hospitals are predominantly funded by the government and provide a wide range of services, from emergency care to specialized treatments … Local Clinics, often referred to as ‘maisons de santé,’ are smaller healthcare facilities designed to provide more personalized care…

‘General practitioners (GPs) … often serve as the first point of contact for patients… [GPs] can refer them to specialists or hospital services as needed…

‘The organization of healthcare services is designed to facilitate patient access and promote preventative care. Health services are distributed across urban and rural areas, enabling residents to obtain necessary medical attention without undue delay. Overall, the public healthcare structure in France underscores a commitment to comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for all citizens.’^{[footnote 168]}

11.3 Accessibility and affordability

11.3.1 The ECRI 2022 report stated: ‘The “universal health protection” system guarantees everyone working or residing in France continuously for more than three months the right to have their health costs covered on a personal basis throughout their lives (with cover also applying to their dependent children), without having to prove they are in employment.’^{[footnote 169]}

11.3.2 The World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report in April 2024 which examined the affordability of healthcare in France. WHO noted:

‘The French health system is organized through a social health insurance (SHI) scheme… Entitlement to SHI benefits is based on legal residence (not on payment of contributions)… Although user charges (co-payments) are applied to most SHI benefits, including primary care visits and hospital admissions, about 95% of the population has complementary health insurance (CHI) to cover these co-payments. This unusually high level of CHI coverage reflects decades of Government intervention and investment, including the provision of free and heavily subsidized CHI for people with very low incomes…’^{[footnote 170]}

11.3.3 With regards co-payments, WHO noted that 32 chronic conditions are exempt from co-payments, including HIV infection and long-term psychiatric conditions^{[footnote 171]}.

11.3.4 The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies summarised pharmaceutical care: ‘… Accessibility of pharmaceuticals is high due to an extensive public benefits basket and a well distributed network of pharmacies. The SHI covers around 80% of pharmaceutical expenditures, which pays for prescription medicines based on their effectiveness.’^{[footnote 172]}

11.3.5 The Liste des Produits et Prestations remboursables (LPP) is a list of products and services covered by health insurance. The list does not include medicines^{[footnote 173]}. The LPP is updated monthly and is available for download^{[footnote 174]}.

11.3.6 CPIT has produced a table indicating healthcare ratios, based on OECD figures for 2021^{[footnote 175]}:

	France	EU average
Hospital beds per 1,000 population	5.7	4.8
Doctors per 1,000 population	3.2	4.1
Nurses per 1,000 population	8.6	8.5

11.4 Mental health

11.4.1 In June 2024, the Primo Levi Centre, a collective of 5 associations – including Amnesty International – which is ‘committed to the field of health and the defence of human rights,’^{[footnote 176]} published a report on the mental health of ‘exiles’ in France and stated:

‘… the current healthcare system does not respond to this issue [of mental health difficulties for exiles]. The provision of mental health care for exiled people remains largely under-resourced, particularly at the level of so-called advanced care….

‘Accommodation teams are on the front line in welcoming these people groups, but identifying and supporting mental health issues is difficult in the absence of training. Even when the disorder is identified, the possibilities of referral to mainstream facilities are slim: these are saturated, under-resourced, and mostly concentrated in large cities, particularly in the Ile-de-France region. Recourse to the voluntary sector thus becomes essential. The majority of facilities capable of caring for exiled people suffering from mental health issues are specialised care centres, most of which are managed by associations, with only around 15 associations in France.’^{[footnote 177]}

11.4.2 The report continued: ‘The “Vulnerability Plan” implemented by the government starting in 2021 proposes actions to better welcome, support and integrate people (asylum seekers and those who have been granted refugee status) deemed “vulnerable”…While the objectives pursued are relevant, these plans are undersized and do not guarantee effective mental healthcare, leaving community care centres often ill-equipped to meet growing demand.’^{[footnote 178]}

11.4.3 The report further stated:

‘Medico-Psychological Centres (CMP) allow anyone experiencing psychological difficulties to benefit from medical, psychological and social consultations. It is from the CMP that outpatient services are organised… Consultations are free but the prescribed treatments require obtaining health insurance, which, for a precarious, non-French-speaking population with no knowledge of the healthcare system, remains very complex. Attached to a public hospital, CMPs are responsible for a specific geographic area, which is often an obstacle for exiled people who move around the country depending on the vagaries of their administrative and accommodation arrangements. In 2020, there were 3,100 CMPs [in France]…’^{[footnote 179]}

11.4.4 The report also commented on the use of interpreters:

‘The use of professional interpreting represents a major challenge, not only in identifying needs, but also in directing people to care. A large proportion of people exiled in France do not speak French well enough to benefit from quality medical care without using an interpreter. In 2023, this was the case for 60% of patients at the Primo Levi Centre. This need has been largely neglected in public health policies. Despite official recognition of the relevance of using language interpreting by the French National Authority for Health since 2017, professional interpreting remains very insufficient in health services, which hinders the quality of care. The systematic use of professional interpreters is often considered too expensive and too complicated…’^{[footnote 180]}

11.4.5 In July 2024 Forum Réfugiés reported:

‘National legislation does not provide any specific guarantee for access to care related to mental health issues. Asylum seekers can theoretically benefit from psychiatric or psychological counselling thanks to their health care coverage (AME or PUMA). However, access remains difficult in practice because many professionals refuse to receive non-French speaking patients as they lack the tools to communicate non-verbally and/or the funds to work with interpreters.

‘Victims of torture or traumatised asylum seekers can be counselled in a few NGO structures that specifically take care of these traumas. This adapted counselling is provided, for instance, at the Primo LeviCentre and Comede in Paris as well as the Comede and Osiris centres in Marseille, Mana in Bordeaux, Forum réfugiés – Cosi Essor Centre in Lyon and Clermont Ferrand, Parole Sans Frontière à Strasbourg, Comede in the Loire departement… These specialised centres are however too few in France, unevenly distributed across the country and cannot meet the growing demand for treatment. The difficulties are aggravated by the geographical locations of some reception centres where accessing mental health specialists would entail several hours of travel.’^{[footnote 181]}

11.4.6 In July 2023, France Terre d’Asile, an association which supports refugees and other migrants^{[footnote 182]}, published a report in which they provided the results of a study which involved interviews with people accommodated in CADA or SPADA, and with social workers, lawyers, and educators working with them. Interviews were held from July to September 2022 in 3 regions of France. The sample size was not clear but appeared to be 28 to 42 people^{[footnote 183]}. The study found that mental health care for refugees had limitations and stated:

‘… the public service, present throughout the territory through the psychiatric sector, is not able to offer a response adapted to the needs of asylum seekers, in particular due to the unequal use of interpretation, the change of sector with each change of address, waiting times and limits in terms of appointment availability which delay the establishment of care, including for emergency situations…

‘Due to these observed limitations, few asylum seekers in our study appear to be referred to public services. Consequently, access to mental health care remains dependent on the presence and uneven provision of the voluntary sector.

‘This can be problematic in several ways: in the absence of a possibility of referral to public services, Cada workers find themselves in the difficult position of having to choose between places of specialized intervention (in relation to violence against women or the presence of psychotrauma, for example), without a professional diagnosis being made beforehand.

‘This also results, for the same reasons, in unequal access to different therapeutic proposals, particularly pharmacological ones, as a direct consequence of the under-medicalization of care provision in the voluntary sector and difficulties in accessing public services. This low use of pharmacological treatments represents a significant obstacle to rapid and effective treatment of psychiatric disorders….’^{[footnote 184]}

11.4.7 The Government of France explained:

‘Mental health is a public policy led by the Ministry of Health. Nevertheless, the Ministry of the Interior takes this issue into account, as well as that of the vulnerabilities and particular needs of applicants.

‘When they move to GUDA, applicants are subject to an initial assessment of their vulnerability by the OFII. In addition, the accommodation centres of the national reception system have the mission of facilitating access to care (including mental health) for the people they accommodate.’^{[footnote 185]}

11.4.8 The Government of France added that ‘Psychiatric emergencies are taken care of without delay. There are also many “PASS psy” in hospitals.’^{[footnote 186]}

11.4.9 EPSAN (Etablissement Public de Sante Alsace Nord), a regional mental health organisation^{[footnote 187]}, provided more detail on PASS-Psy:

‘The main objective of the psychiatric PASS [PASS-Psy] is to provide effective access to rights and psychiatric care within the common law system (hospitals, private practice, etc.) for people in highly precarious social situations suffering from psychiatric disorders.

‘The medical and social care offered by the PASS to access psychiatric care consists of:

• ‘A telephone helpline to provide guidance and organize care as quickly as possible

• ‘A medical consultation, a psychological consultation, an unscheduled nursing interview for anyone who comes to the PASS, whether or not they have been referred by a healthcare professional

• ‘A social service to ensure that people’s rights are upheld (with or without an appointment).’^{[footnote 188]}

11.4.10 In 2022 France had 77.26 psychiatric care beds in hospitals per 100,000 inhabitants. This compares with an EU average of 71.81^{[footnote 189]}.

11.4.11 Also in 2022, France had 22.73 psychiatrists per 100,000 inhabitants. Eurostat did not provide an EU average so, for comparison, Germany had the highest ratio of psychiatrists (28.40) and Bulgaria the lowest (10.28)^{[footnote 190]}.

11.4.12 Santé Publique is France’s national public health agency, under the supervision of the Ministry of Health^{[footnote 191]}. Information on Santé Publique’s website, updated on 6 December 2023, described two types of helplines available for people with mental health conditions:

• Volunteer helplines working in suicide prevention: SOS Amitiés, SOS Suicide Phénix, Suicide Ecoute and Phare enfants-parents. See also Suicide prevention

• More specific schemes, for example, SIS Association (supporting LGBT+ people); Fil Santé jeunes (supporting young people under age 25)^{[footnote 192]}

11.4.13 Psycom signposts people to support services and provides on its website:

• A list of national schemes offering psychological support by phone, chat and internet^{[footnote 193]}

• A list of self-help associations providing support for a wide range of mental health conditions, and drug and alcohol addiction^{[footnote 194]}

• A list of resource centres providing support for a range of conditions including learning disabilities, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder^{[footnote 195]}

11.4.14 The website Retab.fr provides a free search engine and interactive map, which allows the user to identify, locate and contact a wide range of health services and support available to people with mental health conditions^{[footnote 196]}. Retab.fr groups services and support into 6 main categories and 75 sub-categories. When the user selects a sub-category, Retab.fr generates a map which shows the number and location of establishments providing the service/support. CPIT has selected some illustrative examples of the sub-categories below, including information on the services/support provided. The number of establishments within each sub-category is given in brackets^{[footnote 197]}:

• Hospital Centre (CH): ‘…public or private health facilities providing care… The CHs take care of the entire population without criteria. Care can take the form of full-time or part-time hospitalization, outpatient care, free care and involuntary care.’ (204)

• Clinic, health centre: ‘…private health facilities (for-profit or not-for-profit) providing psychiatric care… Most clinics and nursing homes offer care in the form of full-time hospitalization, but some also provide part-time outpatient care. The clinics only provide free care.’ (146)

• CAARUD (Centre for Reception and Support for Harm Reduction for Drug Users): ‘…dedicated to people affected by an addiction problem and who are not necessarily already engaged in a treatment process or to people exposed by their consumption to major risks (accidents, infections). The missions of the CAARUDs are reception (collective/individual), information, personalised advice, support (access to care, rights, housing), professional integration/reintegration and the provision of infection prevention equipment. The treatment is outpatient.’ (55)

• CSAPA (Addiction Prevention Care Centre): ‘They welcome anonymously and free of charge all minors or adults, who encounter difficulties with their consumption of psychoactive substances (drugs, alcohol, tobacco and medication), or with their addiction without substances (games, sexual practices, compulsive buying, cyberaddiction, etc.). The missions of the CSAPAs are reception, information, medical, psychological and social assessment, and guidance. The treatment is outpatient.’ (171)

• Psychosocial Rehabilitation Centre and Community Centre: ‘..care systems dedicated to people with mental disorders, offering on the one hand an assessment and on the other hand support focused on recovery.’ (98)

• Medico-Psychological Centre (CMP): ‘…dedicated to people suffering from psychiatric disorders, they offer consultations (nurses, psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, etc.), care and home visits.’ (616)

• Psychotrauma consultation: ‘…intended to help individuals who have been exposed to traumatic events. These consultations may include specific therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), or other approaches that help treat symptoms of trauma, such as post-traumatic stress.’ (4)

• Day Hospital (HDJ): ‘…health care facilities dedicated to people suffering from psychiatric disorders. On medical prescriptions, the HDJs offer care and daytime activities, thus promoting home care.’ (594)

• Psychiatric Emergency Department: ‘…systems for people with mental disorders in an emergency.’ (71)

• Psychiatric Care Unit: ‘..psychiatric care units attached to a Hospital Center (CH).’ (288)

• GEM – Mutual Aid Group: peer support groups ‘…run by and for mental health users’ (149)

• LVA – Living and Welcoming Places: ‘…social or medico-social systems that provide reception, support and [temporary] accommodation for children, adolescents and adults in a problematic family, social or psychological situation.’ (176)

• Residence reception: ‘…accommodation facilities (with no time limit) dedicated to people with mental disorders… whose social and psychological situation does not allow access to ordinary housing.’ (35)

11.4.15 Regional psycho-trauma centres (Centres régionaux du psychotraumatismes - CRPs), located across the country, provide specialist care and treatment for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)^{[footnote 198] [footnote 199]}. The state-run Centre national de ressources et de résilience (Cn2r), whose mission is to ‘improve and disseminate knowledge about psychotrauma and resilience,’ leads the network of regional CRPs^{[footnote 200]}. CRPs aim to:

• ‘provide comprehensive care for children, adolescents and adults suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder

• ‘provide expertise and resources to improve the management of psychotrauma, in particular through the development of training courses

• ‘identify local healthcare professionals and work in collaboration with various victim support organizations (associations, social services, etc.).’^{[footnote 201]}

11.4.16 The CRPs are day consultation centres attached to hospitals, with at least one CRP in each region of France^{[footnote 202]}. As well as CRPs, other consultation centres, mostly in the private sector, offer treatment for people with PTSD^{[footnote 203]}.

11.4.17 Cn2r provided an interactive map with contact details of CRPs and other centres offering PTSD care^{[footnote 204]}:

See NGOs supporting asylum seekers and refugees and NGOs working with trafficking victims

11.5 Suicide prevention

11.5.1 The French Ministry of Labour, Health, Solidarity and Families provided the following information about the VigilanS system, which focuses on suicide prevention (all information translated from French in house):

‘The VigilanS system… has the general objective of helping to reduce the number of suicides and the number of recidivism of suicide attempts. VigilanS consists of a system of contact and alert by organizing a network of health professionals around the person who has attempted suicide who will keep in touch with them.

‘In February 2024, VigilanS is deployed in [13 regions in France], and in 99 departments.

‘Anyone hospitalized for a suicide attempt is given the option of being included in VigilanS at the time of discharge. A resource card is then given to them, indicating the telephone number where they can reach trained caregivers who will be able to respond effectively in the event of difficulty or problems. This number is a toll-free number, free of charge from both a landline and a mobile phone, and available during working hours.

‘At the same time, their general practitioner and possibly their … psychiatrist receive a letter informing them of their patient’s entry into the system…

‘VigilanS is a genuine monitoring tool that proceeds in three steps:

• ‘When leaving the hospital, the patient receives the card with the telephone number of VigilanS, which they can contact at any time..;

• ‘If the person has already made more than one suicide attempt, VigilanS contacts them by phone between ten and twenty days after leaving the hospital to inquire about their state of health. If they do not respond, the attending physician and the psychiatrist are contacted. As for the patient, he or she receives a personalized postcard or an SMS every month for four months;

• ‘After 6 months, all these people are called back for a detailed telephone assessment of their situation and their mental health status. Following this evaluation, the monitoring is either renewed or terminated because it is deemed superfluous.

‘The 2023 evaluation by Santé publique France shows that the risk of suicidal repetition is reduced by nearly 40% for patients included in VigilanS compared to a group of patients not included in this system.’^{[footnote 205]}

11.5.2 The French Ministry of Labour, Health, Solidarity and Families provided details of a national helpline for people with suicidal thoughts (all information translated from French in house):

‘Call 3114, the national suicide prevention number. A healthcare professional (nurse or psychologist), specifically trained in suicide prevention, will be at your disposal to assess your situation and offer you resources adapted to your needs or those of your loved ones. The line is open 24/7. The call is free and confidential.

‘In the event of an imminent risk of suicide, call the SAMU (15) or 112 (European number). You can find tips and resources on the www.3114.fr website, whether you are concerned for yourself or a loved one.’^{[footnote 206]}

11.5.3 The website also provided information on additional suicide-prevention resources:

‘– SOS Amitié
A benevolent, free, anonymous and confidential listening service for those who, at some point in their lives, are going through a difficult period.
24/7 telephone helpline…
Chat from Monday to Sunday from 1 pm to 3 am.
Free e-mail listening service.

‘– Fil Santé Jeunes
an anonymous and free listening service for 12-25 year olds on the themes of health, sexuality, love, unhappiness, etc.
Telephone hotline every day from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m…
Individual chat open every day from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.

‘– Say Je suis Là
National suicide prevention platform for the general public, whose vocation is to allow everyone to act in the face of a loved one in suicidal crisis.
Directories and Places of Reference

‘– Suicide Listening
Anonymous listening to people facing suicide.
24/7 telephone helpline…

‘– SOS Suicide Phénix
Anonymous welcome and listening to anyone dealing with the problem of suicide.
Telephone hotline from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m…
Listening service by messaging on the association’s website.

‘– Lighthouse Children-Parents
‘a space for welcoming and listening to young people’s unhappiness and suicide prevention, aimed at parents and young people.
Telephone hotline from Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m…
Listening service by messaging on the association’s website.

‘Other information resources:

• ‘Santé publique France website: reference sites and remote help lines;

• ‘Psycom website: Helplines - Psychiatric emergencies;

• ‘Health Insurance website: Suicidal crisis: acting before the suicide attempt’^{[footnote 207]}

12. Sustainable futures for asylum seekers and refugees

12.1 Employment

12.1.1 UNHCR noted that asylum seekers have the right to work in France if OFPRA haven’t taken a decision on an application for international protection within 6 months of submission^{[footnote 208]}.

12.1.2 Forum Réfugiés noted: ‘In practice, asylum seekers have very limited access to the labour market, due to a number of constraints. Prior to being able to work, the applicant must have sought and obtained a temporary work permit. To obtain this work permit, the asylum seeker has to provide proof of a job offer or an employment contract. The duration of the work permit cannot exceed the duration of the residence permit linked to the asylum application. It may possibly be renewed.’^{[footnote 209]}

12.1.3 People granted refugee status or subsidiary protection have the right to work^{[footnote 210]}.

12.1.4 In June 2023, UNHCR France published a report based upon responses to an online questionnaire completed by 225 French companies. The survey found that 44% of companies were involved in supporting refugees and, of these companies, the support provided related predominantly (83%) to access to employment^{[footnote 211]}.

See also NGOs supporting asylum seekers and refugees

12.2 Education

12.2.1 According to Forum Réfugiés: ‘While no provision of the Education Code covers the particular case of children of asylum seekers, the law provides that all children are subject to compulsory education as long as they are between 3 and 16 years old.’^{[footnote 212]}

12.3 Freedom of movement

12.3.1 Asylum seekers generally benefitted from freedom of movement, although they are required to reside in the area assigned to them by OFII^{[footnote 213]}. There are no restrictions for beneficiaries of international protection, who are free to reside in any part of French territory^{[footnote 214]}.

12.4 Permanent residency/citizenship

12.4.1 UNHCR noted that a person granted refugee status had the right to stay in France for 10 years [see Residence permits], after which they had the right to permanent residence^{[footnote 215]}. People granted refugee status or subsidiary protection had the possibility of obtaining French nationality through naturalisation^{[footnote 216]}.

13. NGOs supporting asylum seekers and refugees

13.1.1 Below is a non-exhaustive alphabetical list of NGOs supporting asylum seekers and refugees in various capacities, including assistance with refugee status determination (RSD), accommodation, employment, and access to medical care (including mental healthcare). See also NGOs working with trafficking victims and the section on Healthcare

13.1.2 Action Emploi Réfugiés

• Connects refugees with employers^{[footnote 217]}.

• The SOCLE programme provides personalised support over 3 to 12 months, including referrals to training courses and connections with partner companies^{[footnote 218]}.

• The AVEC programme provides personalised support over 6 to 9 months, including French language training linked to professional occupations^{[footnote 219]}

13.1.3 Afpa – provides training in shortage occupations for refugees and also provides accommodation^{[footnote 220]}.

13.1.4 Association Mana, Bordeaux. The organisation’s website stated that it provides ‘Psychotherapeutic care … for migrant populations.’^{[footnote 221]} (Information translated from French using translation tool on website/in house.)

13.1.5 An article published by France 3 Regions, a news outlet, in December 2021, explained that Mana assists migrant women who have suffered trauma. The article stated: ‘MANA, based in Les Aubiers north of Bordeaux, is one of the associations of the SOS group. It is committed to access to health for migrants, providing an unconditional welcome, access to rights and support for migrants … Last year [2020], Mana helped 192 women of 17 nationalities, mainly women from the north of Bordeaux…’^{[footnote 222]}

13.1.6 Austerlitz day centre, Paris which assists asylum applicants with registration at the prefecture and procedures with the OFII. Assistance provided in foreign languages^{[footnote 223]}.

13.1.7 Les Champs de Booz (Boaz’s Fields) provides assistance for single, female asylum-seekers (all information translated from French in house). The organisation is based in Paris and provides ‘walk-in’ services for 2 hours on both Tuesdays and Thursdays^{[footnote 224]}. The assistance provided includes:

• Help with asylum applications and obtaining legal aid

• A limited amount of accommodation

• Free medical consultations and referrals to psychologists

• French language courses

• Training and employment assistance^{[footnote 225]}

13.1.8 La Cimade, Paris

• Runs a hotline informing migrants of their rights.

• Provide legal assistance to foreigners in administrative detention centers (CRA)^{[footnote 226]}. See Immigration detention

13.1.9 Comede was set up in 1979 with the aim to help exiles with their health and defend their rights. Over a 40-year period, Comede has assisted more than 170,000 people from more than 150 countries^{[footnote 227]}. (Information translated from French in house.)

• Comede Health Centre at Bicêtre Hospital, Paris. The Centre provides medical, prevention, psychotherapeutic, social and legal consultations. The website refers to treating people who have experienced violence, torture and sexual assault and states that ‘psychological and psychiatric disorders are the main cause of serious morbidity among exiles, and even more so among women.’ Professional interpreters are used when required^{[footnote 228]}.

• Comede, Marseille The Centre provides ‘Multidisciplinary reception, care and support … with professional interpretation’. The website described the services offered:

‘The multidisciplinary team (receptionists, general practitioners, psychologists, social workers/lawyers) offers medical and psychological consultations:

• pathway and coordination of medical care, prevention and health check-ups, and medical follow-up;

• access to mental care, coordination of pathways, evaluation and psychological follow-up;

• social and legal care (daily life, access to health protection rights, right of residence for health reasons, other services related to the state of health) for the patients of the care centre.

‘Including consultations dedicated to women and unaccompanied young people/minors

‘And also prevention and health promotion workshops.’^{[footnote 229]}

Persons with a disability are invited to contact the centre ‘to ensure a suitable welcome.’^{[footnote 230]}

• Comede at Saint-Etienne (Loire) The website explained:

‘…the Comede Loire has been offering a space for talking, welcoming and supporting the orientation of people in psychological suffering related to exile, persecution and violence experienced in their country of origin. Consultations by appointment and most often in pairs are provided by a team of 7 volunteers, in a global approach to health, access to rights and care…’^{[footnote 231]}

• ‘Psychotherapy is provided for adults, children, adolescents and for those needing parenting support; sessions can be provided for individuals or in group settings. Therapeutic dance is provided for women who have suffered violence. Persons with a disability are invited to contact the centre ‘to ensure a suitable welcome.’^{[footnote 232]}

• Comede Loire also provides a hotline: ‘Aura Social & Legal Hotline Support and expertise for access to care, procedures for obtaining health protection, mechanisms for the right of residence for medical reasons, and other services related to the state of health of foreigners…’^{[footnote 233]}

13.1.10 Croix Rouge (Red Cross) helps various groups of people, including refugees and asylum-seekers (all information translated from French in house). The website explained: ‘Our fields of intervention are vast: street teams, day care centres, accommodation centres, supported housing, reception of asylum seekers and refugees, social and health support. There are a total of 191 establishments, bringing together more than 550 services… More than 2,130 employees and 9,700 volunteers form a real community of action united by our values, as close as possible to vulnerable people.’^{[footnote 234]}

13.1.11 The Croix Rouge provides the following support for asylum-seekers ‘We … welcome, accommodate and accompany asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection. In addition to access to asylum applications and support throughout the procedure, these measures also offer comprehensive support: opening up social rights, access to health, schooling for children, language learning, etc.’^{[footnote 235]}

13.1.12 ESSOR Centres are based in Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand and are run by Forum Réfugiés. In 2023, the centres provided 3,684 individual and family consultations, with 808 people awaiting assistance. Centres are approved by the Regional Health Agency^{[footnote 236]} (translated from French in house).

13.1.13 ESSOR 63 Care Centre is based in Clermont-Ferrand and assists adults and children over the age of 6 years who are refugees/asylum-seekers and are dealing with psychological distress. The Centre’s outreach area is Clermont-Ferrand and the wider Puy-de-Dôme region. The Centre provides medical and psychological consultations for both individuals and families. It is open 3 days a week^{[footnote 237]}. (Information translated from French in house.)

13.1.14 ESSOR 69 Mental Health Centre in Lyon assists ‘Exiled people in psychological distress and victims of intentional violence and torture.’ It is open every weekday^{[footnote 238]} and offers the following services:

• Medical consultations

• Psychological assistance for both individuals and families

• Physiotherapy

• Therapy groups^{[footnote 239]}

• The centre provides assistance for adults, adolescents and children aged over 6 years. In addition to the services mentioned above, it also offers:

  • Knowledge of the procedures related to asylum applications

  • An inter-cultural approach to therapeutic care

  • Care which takes account of trauma and a precarious situation

  • An approach which is tailored to the individual^{[footnote 240]}

• Consultations are provided free of charge and professional interpreters are employed whenever necessary^{[footnote 241]}.

• There are 2 GPs, 5 psychologists, 1 psychiatrist, 1 physiotherapist and 2 art therapists at the centre, which provides 3,000 consultations for both individuals and families for about 600 people each year^{[footnote 242]}. (Information translated from French in house.)

13.1.15 Forum Refugiés provides a range of services and support to asylum seekers and refugees (Information translated from French in house):

• Management of initial reception facilities (SPADAs^{[footnote 243]}) for asylum-seekers (in Clermont-Ferrant, Lyon, Marseille, Toulon and Nice) ^{[footnote 244]}

• Management of accommodation and support systems for asylum-seekers in 9 departments (Allier, Ardèche, Cantal, Puy-de-Dôme, Rhône, Corrèze, Bouches-du-Rhône, Var and Haute-Garonne). These accommodation centres are integrated into the national scheme for the reception of asylum seekers (DNA). In addition to accommodation, Forum Réfugiés provides the following assistance in every centre: support in administrative, legal, health and social procedures adapted to the situation of each person. Staff are aware of the need to identify and report vulnerabilities to the OFII and/or OFPRA^{[footnote 245]}.

• Provision of temporary accommodation centres (CPH) for beneficiaries of protection in the departments of Allier, Cantal and Rhône. Within the CPH, Forum Réfugiés provides support in administrative and social procedures and personalised integration support^{[footnote 246]}.

• Since 2020, Forum Réfugiés has managed a shelter system dedicated to female asylum seekers who are victims of violence or human trafficking. The system is implemented by a multidisciplinary team made up of employees, volunteers and partners capable of providing administrative, social, health and legal support^{[footnote 247]}.

• Forum Réfugiés is authorised by OFPRA to accompany asylum seekers during their interview, acting as a third party^{[footnote 248]}

• Provision of mental health facilities (in Clermont-Ferrand and Lyon – see ‘ESSOR Centres’ above)^{[footnote 249]}

• Management of integration programmes (in Clermont-Ferrand, Lyon, Aurillac, Pivas, Montauban, Toulouse and Montpellier) ^{[footnote 250]}

13.1.16 In addition, Forum réfugiés supports the ACCSO (Companionship for the Care of Asylum Seekers and Beneficiaries of International Protection) project, which was launched in 2021. (Information translated from French in house). ACCSO’s main objective is to improve access to care and health pathways for vulnerable and traumatized exiled people. It is based in the Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions and in the Rhône department^{[footnote 251]}.

13.1.17 The ACCSO project team includes a doctor, a mobile psychologist and 2 nurses. Professional interpreters are used when necessary. The project provides individual or family paramedical consultations, and psychological assessment and follow-up consultations^{[footnote 252]}.

13.1.18 France Terre d’Asile

In correspondence with the Home Office dated 24 July 2025, UNHCR France described France Terre d’Asile’s role:

‘[The organisation] operates reception centres known as CADA (Centres for Asylum Seekers’ Reception), emergency accommodation facilities, and provides legal assistance and social integration services. The organisation’s activities include support for unaccompanied minors, ensuring access to healthcare, education, and housing. The services offered include guidance throughout the asylum application process, social and administrative support, healthcare access, schooling for children, language courses, and measures aimed at facilitating integration.’^{[footnote 253]}

13.1.19 Médecins du Monde (Doctors of the World) works in several cities across France. (Information translated from French in house). The information about the organisation’s work in Paris states that it, ‘… supports vulnerable people in their efforts to access care in its Parisian reception centre.’ ^{[footnote 254]}

13.1.20 The assistance provided by the organisation in Paris includes the following:

• ‘Information and support in the opening of health rights (AME, CSS)

• ‘Information and referral to aid structures (food, hygiene, clothing, legal, etc.)

• ‘Medical assessments and referrals to common law structures (PASS, CMS, etc.)

• ‘Referral for screening and prevention interviews

• ‘Psychological/psychiatric counselling interviews

• ‘Monitoring of care pathways and access to health rights.’^{[footnote 255]}

13.1.21 The organisation’s branch in Caen provides ‘access to care for young people in exile’ who are aged 16-25. Assistance includes health and psycho-social support and help in accessing accommodation^{[footnote 256]}.

13.1.22 The organisation’s branch in Nantes provides the following assistance for unaccompanied minors, with 170 beneficiaries in 2021:

• ‘Medical and social assessment

• ‘Information and guidance to support structures (food, hygiene, clothing, legal, schooling, etc.)

• ‘Assistance in making medical appointments, referral and support to care

• ‘Support and accompaniment in the opening of health rights …

• ‘Prevention and health education

• ‘Psychological counselling interviews.’^{[footnote 257]}

13.1.23 The organisation’s branch at Angoulême stated that ‘This health mediation project is aimed at foreigners in a precarious administrative situation present in Greater Angoulême.’ In addition to healthcare, support was provided in accessing food, hygiene, clothing, legal, schooling, etc^{[footnote 258]}.

13.1.24 The organisation’s branch in Toulouse stated that it worked with migrants, as well as other groups of people. The programme for migrants included the following assistance, and the website stated that there were 500 beneficiaries, but did not specify the time period:

• ‘Health monitoring, support in medical and social procedures

• ‘Prevention and health education

• ‘Testing and vaccination.’^{[footnote 259]}

13.1.25 Osiris Centre, Marseille has a website which explained:

• ‘Osiris health centre provides care for exiled people who have faced intentional, human induced extreme violence. These persecutions will have taken place in the country of origin and also often during the migratory journey towards France…

‘Osiris is an aid centre which offers assistance and care that can treat this suffering. Appointments are free and available to all regardless of administrative status. Consultations are offered for individuals, couples, families or for groups. They take place in the presence of an interpreter in the chosen language of the person concerned. The working team at Osiris is made up of; a receptionist, two social assistants, an osteopath, a psychiatrist and four psychologists. All members of the team observe professional and medical confidentiality. Osiris is an association which is fully independent of the state.’^{[footnote 260]}

• Osiris provides psychotherapy: ‘We support patients in individual, marital, mother-child, family and group psychotherapy… We are trained in group techniques, artistic mediation and hypnosis.’^{[footnote 261]}

• Osiris also provides psychiatry: ‘The state of health of patients sometimes requires a psychiatric check-up which can lead to medical follow-up with the use of drug treatment…’^{[footnote 262]}

• Furthermore, Osiris provides socio-legal support^{[footnote 263]}.

13.1.26 Parole Sans Frontière, Strasbourg offers psycho-therapeutic consultations for exiles who are victims of torture and violence^{[footnote 264]}. The team includes 4 clinical psychologists and 3 therapists^{[footnote 265]}.

13.1.27 Primo Levi Centre, Paris

• A non-profit organisation dedicated to the care and support of survivors of torture and political violence exiled in France, regardless of immigration status. More than 400 people from 50 different countries visit the centre every year for multidisciplinary treatment and the care provided lasts an average of three years ^{[footnote 266]}.

• Patients mainly receive medical care (78% of patients) and/or psychological support (70%). More than half of patients (56%) contact the social services department and 40% the legal department. Around 4% of patients receive physiotherapy. Consultations are held in the patient’s preferred language as much as possible; some foreign languages are spoken fluently by the centre’s clinicians and in other cases, professional interpreters are used^{[footnote 267]}.

• Unaccompanied children/minors are also provided with psychological help in close collaboration with organisations such as child welfare, schools, reception centers for asylum seekers and the Centre médico-psycho-pédagogique (CMPP medical-psychological centre for children)^{[footnote 268]}.

13.1.28 Samusocial provides medical assistance at migrant camps and CAES. The organisation’s website stated:

‘Since 2015, the Migrants Mission has been responsible for carrying out, at the request of the Regional Health Agency (ARS), a set of health actions for migrants in the Ile-de-France region. The Migrants Mission is made up of nurses and interpreters who go to meet migrants, in the Reception Centres (CAES) or in the camps. It carries out nursing check-ups, provides care, and refers to external care structures: Permanence d’Accès aux Soins de Santé (PASS), Emergency Reception Service (SAU), Medico-Social Centre (CMS), Medico-Social Centre (PMS), Psychiatric Orientation and Reception Centre (CPOA), etc. It also plays a health monitoring role.’^{[footnote 269]}

13.1.29 The GISTI is a website which also provides links, including via an interactive map with local support services for immigrants and refugees.

14. Removals

14.1 Immigration detention

14.1.1 Service-Public noted that a person subject to administrative removal ‘… may be placed in an administrative detention center (ARC or CRA) or placed under house arrest.’^{[footnote 270]}

14.1.2 Forum Réfugiés noted that ‘A person can remain in administrative detention for a maximum of 90 days’, adding that beyond this, ‘… any foreigner who has not been removed must be released.’^{[footnote 271]}

14.1.3 The French MoI noted in their report to the EUAA, dated April 2023, that: ‘Third country nationals held in administrative detention centres are informed about the reasons for their placement in these centres. They are notified of the administrative decision to detain them with a view to their removal/transfer… This document also mentions the legal remedies available to challenge this decision…’^{[footnote 272]}

14.1.4 In April 2025, Forum Réfugiés and others published the Administrative Detention report covering 2024 (all information translated from French in-house). The report noted that there were 21 CRAs in mainland France^{[footnote 273]} which detained 16,228 people in 2024^{[footnote 274]}. The report did not state how many of the detainees were asylum seekers or failed asylum seekers. In 2024, the average length of detention in CRAs was approximately 33 days^{[footnote 275]}.

See also the section on Refugee Status Determination process – Detention for the purpose of the asylum procedure

14.2 Voluntary return

14.2.1 OFII provides an assisted voluntary return (AVR) scheme and also reintegration support schemes^{[footnote 276] [footnote 277]}.

14.2.2 The French government’s Training Guide of July 2022 stated that, depending on the country of origin, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) could offer support to foreign victims of trafficking, including pre-departure activities, assistance upon arrival and follow-up after their return^{[footnote 278]}. (Information translated from French in house.)

14.3 Enforced return

14.3.1 A decision to remove a person or an ‘obligation to leave French territory’ (OQTF) is taken by the prefect and requires the person to leave France by their own means within 30 days^{[footnote 279]}. There may also be situations in which the person must leave ‘without delay’, for example, if the person is at risk of absconding^{[footnote 280]}.

14.3.2 A person subject to an OQTF who has not left France of their own volition may be placed in a detention centre or under house arrest while the French administration organises their removal^{[footnote 281]}. Enforced removals and deportations are subject to appeal^{[footnote 282] [footnote 283]}.

15. Modern slavery/trafficking

15.1 Monitoring mechanisms

15.1.1 The USSD publishes an annual Trafficking in Persons (TiP) report which places countries into one of 4 ‘Tier’ categories (Tier 1 is the best ranking). A country’s Tier is based upon the government’s efforts to meet defined minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking. Tier rankings involve an assessment of multiple factors including: enactment and implementation of laws, and victim identification, support and protection^{[footnote 284]}.

15.1.2 The Government of France explained that

‘While French legislation on human trafficking did not change in 2023, Law No. 2024-42 of January 26, 2024, aimed at controlling immigration and improving integration, seeks to combat exploitation networks involving degrading working and housing conditions. It does so by strengthening administrative sanctions against employers of undocumented foreign workers and slumlords. The law also provides protection for victims of these networks by granting a residence permit, subject to the submission of proof of a complaint filed against the perpetrators of acts constituting offenses under Article 225-14 of the Penal Code.’^{[footnote 285]}

15.1.3 The 2024 USSD TiP report for France, covering 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, stated: ‘The Government of France fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. The government continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period; therefore France remained on Tier 1.’^{[footnote 286]} The UK was also placed on Tier 1^{[footnote 287]}.

15.1.4 Implementation of the Council of Europe’s (COE) Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings is monitored by the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA)^{[footnote 288]}. GRETA’s most recent completed evaluation of France (the 3rd evaluation round) resulted in the publication of a report in February 2022. The focus of the 3rd evaluation round was on trafficking victims’ access to justice and effective remedies^{[footnote 289]}.

15.1.5 France’s 4th evaluation round began in October 2024, with a focus on ‘Vulnerabilities to human trafficking and measures taken by States Parties to prevent them, detect and support vulnerable victims, and punish the offenders…’^{[footnote 290]} At the time of publication of this note, GRETA’s evaluation was in progress so only partial documentation was available, including the French government’s February 2025 reply to a questionnaire submitted by GRETA^{[footnote 291]}. All references in this note to the French government’s response to the questionnaire have been translated using an online translation tool.

15.2 Legal framework and penalties

15.2.1 France has ratified international anti-trafficking instruments including:

• Additional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, aimed at preventing and punishing trafficking in persons, particularly trafficking of women and children. The Protocol of Palermo was ratified by France on 29 October 2002

• Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, ratified by France on 9 January 2008

• Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on the prevention of trafficking of human beings

• International Convention on the Rights of the Child adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 November 1989, notably Articles 34, 35 and 36, ratified by France on 7 August 1990^{[footnote 292]}

15.2.2 The National Network for the Assistance and Protection of Human Trafficking Victims (le Dispositif National Ac-Sé) noted several protections available to trafficking victims: ‘… such as those cited in Decree n°2007-1352 (13 September 2007) concerning “the possibility of residing in France, and the availability of protection, accommodation and shelter to foreign victims of human trafficking and procuring” and Circular n° IMIMO-900054C (5 February 2009) regarding the “possibility for foreign victims of human trafficking and procuring that cooperate with judicial authorities to legally reside in France.”’^{[footnote 293]}

15.2.3 The penal code (as amended in 2013) criminalises human trafficking^{[footnote 294]}.

15.2.4 On 10 July 2022, the French Ministry for Gender Equality and the Fight against Discrimination published ‘Identifying and protecting victims of trafficking: a training guide.’ This Training Guide included the following table of offences and penalties (all information translated from French in house)^{[footnote 295]}:

Offences	Penalties	Penal Code
Human trafficking (THB)	7 years’ imprisonment and a 150,000 Euro fine	Article 225-4-1
Aggravating circumstances of THB	10 years’ imprisonment and a 1.5 million Euro fine	Article 225-4-2
Human trafficking in an organised gang	20 years’ imprisonment and a 3 million Euro fine	Article 225-4-3
Human trafficking with acts of torture and barbarism	Life imprisonment and a 4.5 million Euro fine	Article 225-4-4

15.2.5 The July 2022 Training Guide also included the following table of main offences and penalties related to human trafficking (all information translated from French in house)^{[footnote 296]}:

Type of exploitation	Offences	Penalties incurred	Penal Code Article
Labour exploitation	Subjecting a vulnerable/dependent person to working and/or living conditions contrary to human dignity	5 years’ imprisonment and a €150,000 fine	225-13, 225-14
Forced labour	7 years’ imprisonment and a €200,000 fine	225-14-1
Reduction into servitude	10 years’ imprisonment and a €300,000 fine	225-14-2
Enslavement and exploitation of an enslaved person	20 years of criminal imprisonment	224-1-A, 224-1-B
Sexual exploitation	Pimping and activity similar to pimping	7 years’ imprisonment and a €150,000 fine	225-5, 225-6
Pimping with aggravating circumstances	10 years’ imprisonment and a €1.5 million fine	225-7
Pimping in an organised gang	20 years’ imprisonment and a €3 million fine	225-8
Pimping with acts of torture and barbarity	Life imprisonment and a €4.5 million fine	225-9
Forced begging	Exploitation of begging	13 years’ imprisonment and a €45,000 fine	225-12-5
Exploitation of begging with aggravating circumstances	5 years’ imprisonment and a €75,000 fine	225-12-6
Exploitation of begging in an organised gang	10 years’ imprisonment and a €1.5 million fine	225-12-7
Organ trafficking	Organ trafficking	7 years’ imprisonment and a €100,000 fine	511-2

15.2.6 The Training Guide stated that, under Decree No. 2007-1352 of 2007, law enforcement officers must inform victims/potential victims of trafficking of their rights. These rights must be explained in a language the person understands, and in their own language where possible, using an interpreter. They must be reminded of these rights at every stage of the procedure (investigation, instruction, court hearing). When an interpreter is present at the interview, the interviewer must ensure that they comply with rules of confidentiality and neutrality^{[footnote 297]}.

15.3 Policy and programmes

15.3.1 GRETA’s February 2022 report described the institutional framework to combat trafficking:

‘…The [Interministerial Mission for the Protection of Women against Violence and the Fight against Trafficking in Human Beings] MIPROF, created in 2013 and placed under the Ministry for Gender Equality, Diversity and Equal Opportunities, continues to co-ordinate national action against trafficking in human beings and, at the same time, to drive the State’s action to combat violence against women …During the third evaluation visit, several interlocutors stressed that the MIPROF had not had enough staff or funding to fully carry out its antitrafficking tasks…’^{[footnote 298]}

15.3.2 In December 2023 the French government published the third national plan against trafficking, covering the period 2024 to 2027. The plan had

2 key aims:

• Better protection from trafficking and exploitation of both children and adults, and French and non-French people

• Increasing the effectiveness of efforts to dismantle criminal networks and convict perpetrators

… and 6 strategic priorities:

• Raising awareness of trafficking and better training of professionals in trafficking issues

• Strengthening victim protection and support

• Tackling trafficking for sexual exploitation

• Tackling trafficking for economic and labour exploitation

• Tackling exploitation for forced criminality and begging

• Furthering France’s commitment and ambitions internationally^{[footnote 299]}

15.3.3 The Government of France also explained that

‘The General Directorate for Foreign Nationals in France (DGEF) of the Ministry of the Interior organizes annual training modules (onboarding module, advanced module, and thematic webinars) for prefecture officers responsible for processing residence permit applications, including senior officials who participate in meetings of departmental commissions to combat prostitution, pimping, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.

‘In this context, the DGEF presents the regulations regarding the issuance of residence permits on humanitarian grounds: for foreign nationals who are victims of human trafficking or pimping, or who are engaged in a process of exiting prostitution and pursuing social and professional reintegration.’^{[footnote 300]}

15.4 Referral and identification of victims

15.4.1 The French government’s July 2022 Training Guide included guidance and indicators to assist the identification of victims of trafficking^{[footnote 301]}.

15.4.2 The 2024 USSD TiP reported: ‘The government remained without an NRM [National Referral Mechanism] to ensure uniform, proactive identification and equal assistance to victims across the country. However, most ministries and regions had formal procedures for identifying victims and authorities continued to use an NGO-run referral mechanism.’^{[footnote 302]}

15.4.3 The 2024 TiP added: ‘While police and NGOs referred victims to Ac-Se [an anti-trafficking NGO network], only the police, gendarmerie, and judiciary could formally identify victims, and formal identification required victims to cooperate with law enforcement. NGOs reported formal recognition as a trafficking victim was difficult to achieve; such status offered additional protections and, in practice, was necessary to obtain asylum or a residence permit, healthcare, and housing.’^{[footnote 303]}

15.4.4 The French government’s February 2025 response to GRETA’s questionnaire noted that no data was recorded on the number of trafficking victims identified during the RSD process^{[footnote 304]}.

15.4.5 The French government’s response to GRETA also reported that a ‘National Mechanism for Early Identification, Referral and Protection’ of trafficking victims (known as MNIOP) was under development^{[footnote 305]}.

15.5 Prevalence and profile

15.5.1 GRETA’s 2022 report stated: ‘France remains primarily a country of destination for victims of trafficking in human beings (THB) but is also a country of origin and transit’ and ‘the continued absence of a national mechanism for identifying victims of human trafficking makes it difficult to have an accurate picture of the situation.’^{[footnote 306]}

15.5.2 The French government’s reply to GRETA’s 4th evaluation round questionnaire provided data on victims of trafficking by type of exploitation, age, sex and nationality from 2021 to 2023^{[footnote 307]}. According to the report, the figures are based on data from the Ministry of the Interior Statistics Department (SSMSI). CPIT has compiled the data into the table below^{[footnote 308]}:

Type of exploitation	2021	2022	2023
Child	Adult	Total	Child	Adult	Total	Child	Adult	Total
Forced begging	25	0	25	35	5	40	27	0	27
Forced labour/domestic servitude	57	449	506	124	669	793	33	705	738
Sexual exploitation	308	736	1044	300	692	992	290	734	1024
Other form of exploitation	0	0	0	0	5	5	15	8	23
Unknown form of exploitation	100	136	236	33	164	197	34	288	322
Sexual and labour	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	9	9
Total	490	1321	1811	492	1535	2027	399	1744	2143

15.5.3 The French government’s response to GRETA also provided data on the nationality of victims. Of the 2,143 victims in 2023, 924 were French nationals. CPIT has produced the table below which identifies the top 10 nationalities of the 1,219 foreign victims in 2023^{[footnote 309]}.

Nationality of victim	Number	% of foreign national victims
Morocco	180	14.8
Paraguay	76	6.2
China	69	5.7
Brazil	68	5.6
Dominican Republic	67	5.5
Romania	64	5.3
Algeria	50	4.1
Pakistan	50	4.1
Tunisia	42	3.4
Comoros	41	3.4
Other	345	28.3
Unknown	167	13.7
Total	1,219	100.1

15.5.4 The French government’s February 2025 response to GRETA’s questionnaire summarised the main trends in foreign national victims, explaining that foreign victims were exploited by highly structured transnational criminal networks. Networks from Latin America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Brazil and Colombia, facilitated prostitution in France, whereas Nigerian nationals, who had previously made up a significant proportion of victims, had almost disappeared^{[footnote 310]}.

15.5.5 The 2024 USSD TiP reported that in 2022, 362 trafficking victims were identified by the police^{[footnote 311]}. The report went on to explain the disparity between victims identified by the police and those identified by NGOs:

‘…The government, experts, NGOs, and GRETA expressed concern regarding the government’s national statistics on victim identification and asserted the scale of human trafficking in France was likely much higher than official statistics. In addition to victims identified by the government, 72 NGOs reported identifying at least 4,363 human trafficking victims… and assisting 2,675 victims in 2022…’^{[footnote 312]}

15.5.6 As the USSD noted, different sources report different numbers of VoT. Considering 2022, for example, the French government recorded 362 VoT identified by the police (see table compiled from the USSD TiP below) but the French government’s reply to GRETA’s 4th evaluation questionnaire recorded 2,027 VoT (see table above), and NGOs recorded 4,363 VoT in the same year. The variable data appears to be due to 2 factors. Firstly, to be officially recognised as a VoT by the government, victims must cooperate with law enforcement, whereas NGOs recognise and support victims who fall outside of the official definition. Secondly, government figures can be difficult to unpick as reports often refer to trafficking victims, victims of exploitation, victims recognised by the police, and victims recognised by NGOs interchangeably, making the categories hard to separate.

15.6 Protection

15.6.1 The 2024 USSD TiP noted:

‘The government had several bodies responsible for investigating human trafficking. The Central Office for the Suppression of Trafficking in Human Beings (OCRTEH), within the National Directorate of the Judicial Police, was responsible for cases of sex trafficking and other crimes, and the Central Office for Combatting Illegal Labor and the Central Office for the Suppression of Irregular Migration and the Employment of Irregular Migrants were responsible for labor trafficking cases and other crimes.’^{[footnote 313]}

15.6.2 The 2024 USSD TiP reported: ‘The government and government-funded NGOs continued providing extensive and in-depth anti-trafficking training programs and conferences for various law enforcement officers, prosecutors, magistrates, labor inspectors, and immigration officials.’^{[footnote 314]} A training guide for the identification and protection of VoT, dated July 2022, is available on the website of the GoF Ministry for Gender Equality^{[footnote 315]}.

15.6.3 The 2024 USSD added: ‘Law enforcement continued cooperating with Ac-Se [an anti-trafficking NGO network], under a formalized mechanism, to inform, assist, and protect trafficking victims. This close coordination with civil society and multidisciplinary approach resulted in seamless assistance to trafficking victims identified during operations and allowed NGOs to accompany victims to interviews with law enforcement and ensure local shelters were prepared ahead of time to receive victims.’^{[footnote 316]}

15.6.4 The 2024 USSD TiP provided data on trafficking victims identified by the police, and law enforcement outcomes for the 3-year period 2020 to 2022^{[footnote 317]}. CPIT has summarised this data in the table below:

	2020	2021	2022
Human trafficking victims identified by police	228	331	362
Human trafficking investigations	321	336	250
Trafficking suspects referred for prosecution	245	215	205
Traffickers convicted	N/A	105	84

15.6.5 The National Plan to Fight Exploitation and Human Trafficking 2024 – 2027 provided data for 2022 from the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Justice:

• 1,953 suspects registered by law enforcement

• 1,518 suspects prosecuted for exploitation or human trafficking of which 1,046 were convicted.

• Of those convicted 60% were French and 40% foreign nationals.

• 66% of those convicted were sentenced to prison

• 186 of those convicted were banished from French territory^{[footnote 318]}.

15.6.6 The Government of France explained that ‘Victim protection is part of a broader framework to combat human trafficking (see Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and Council of 5 April 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting victims).’^{[footnote 319]}

15.6.7 They added ‘The first step of this is police or gendarmerie services notifying potential victims. Before filing a complaint or testifying, the foreign national may benefit from a 30-day reflection period. This period allows them to consider, in a secure environment, whether or not to engage with the justice system. This receipt authorises its holder to work and gives access to asylum seeker benefits, social support, and police protection. This receipt protects the holder from any removal measures issued by the administrative authority. ’^{[footnote 320]}

15.7 Reflection period

15.7.1 A translation of a factsheet on the website of the Government of France’s Ministry for Gender Equality and the Fight Against Discrimination (Ministère chargé de l’Égalité entre les femmes et les hommes et de la Lutte contre les discriminations) explained

‘In accordance with the provisions of the European Directive 2004/81/EC of April 29, 2004, concerning the residence permit issued to third-country nationals who are victims of human trafficking, and the Warsaw Convention of the Council of Europe of May 16, 2005, French regulations provide a thirty-day reflection period for individuals who are victims of trafficking or who may be susceptible to it, allowing them to consider their willingness to cooperate in a judicial procedure (article R. 425-2 of the Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum (CESEDA)).’^{[footnote 321]}

15.7.2 The same factsheet explains that ‘During the reflection period, the victim is issued a receipt, has the right to engage in professional activities, and may benefit from assistance measures. Before, during, or after the reflection period (which is not a mandatory prior step), the victim may decide to file a complaint or testify against the perpetrator(s) of human trafficking or pimping.’^{[footnote 322]}

15.8 Temporary residence permits

15.8.1 GoF’s February 2025 response to GRETA’s questionnaire explained that victims of human trafficking who cooperate with authorities during criminal proceedings are issued with a one-year temporary residence permit^{[footnote 323]}.

15.8.2 The Government of France explained that

‘The French system for granting residence permits to foreign nationals who are victims of human trafficking or pimping, or who are actively trying to leave prostitution, falls under the category of residence permits issued on humanitarian grounds (see Chapter V, Title II, Book IV of the Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum – CESEDA).

‘This system is balanced and complementary in that it secures the residence process by granting a temporary residence permit (CST) under Article L. 425-1 of CESEDA (rightful access to residence) to any person who files a complaint or testifies in a criminal procedure, without excluding foreign nationals who wish to leave the prostitution system but do not want to initiate legal proceedings due to fear of possible reprisals.’^{[footnote 324]}

15.8.3 An online translation of Article L. 425-1 of CESEDA sets out

‘A foreigner who files a complaint against a person whom he accuses of having committed acts against him constituting the offences of trafficking in human beings or procuring, referred to in Articles 225-4-1 to 225-4-6 and 225-5 to 225-10 of the Criminal Code, or testifies in criminal proceedings concerning a person prosecuted for the same offences, shall be issued the following documents: provided that he or she has severed all ties with this person, a temporary residence permit bearing the mention “private and family life” for a period of one year. The condition provided for in Article L. 412-1 is not enforceable.

‘It is renewed for the duration of the criminal proceedings, provided that the conditions laid down for its issuance continue to be met.’^{[footnote 325]}

15.8.4 Further information on the site explains that a person is ‘not obliged to qualify the offence of which you are a victim when you file a complaint (for example, to say that you are the victim of a scam). All you have to do is describe the facts of which you have been a victim without defining what the offence is.’^{[footnote 326]}

15.8.5 The Government of France confirmed/clarified that

‘A third-country national who claims to be a victim of human trafficking (HT) and wishes to obtain a residence permit in France as a victim of HT must, in accordance with Article L. 425-1 of the Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum (CESEDA), provide proof of having filed a complaint with a police station or gendarmerie service in France against a person they accuse of having committed acts against them that constitute the offences of HT or pimping, as defined in Articles 225-4-1 to 225-4-6 and 225-5 to 225-10 of the Penal Code, or testify in a criminal proceeding against a person prosecuted for these same offences.’^{[footnote 327]}

15.8.6 An online translation of Article L. 425-4 of CESEDA sets out

‘A foreign national who is a victim of the offences of trafficking in human beings or procuring, referred to in Articles 225-4-1 to 225-4-6 and 225-5 to 225-10 of the Criminal Code, who, having ceased prostitution, is engaged in the process of leaving prostitution and social and professional integration referred to in Article L. 121-9 of the Code of Social Action and Families, may be issued with a temporary residence permit for a minimum period of six months. The condition provided for in Article L. 412-1 is not enforceable.

This temporary residence permit gives the right to exercise a professional activity. It is renewed for the entire duration of the exit from prostitution and social and professional integration process, provided that the conditions laid down for its issuance continue to be met.’^{[footnote 328]}

15.8.7 A translation of a factsheet on the website of the Government of France’s Ministry for Gender Equality and the Fight Against Discrimination (Ministère chargé de l’Égalité entre les femmes et les hommes et de la Lutte contre les discriminations) explained the path out of prostitution and towards social and professional integration where a person does not wish to cooperate with the judicial procedure

‘The entry of a victim of trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation or pimping into a pathway out of prostitution, authorized by the departmental prefect after advice from the departmental commission against prostitution, pimping, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation, is conditioned on 3 steps:

1) Being identified by an association as a victim of sexual exploitation;

2) Wanting to be accompanied on a path out and committing to stop all prostitution activities;

3) Wanting to stay in the territory and complete a full integration journey.

‘A foreign victim of human trafficking or pimping who has stopped their prostitution activity and who is engaged in a pathway out of prostitution and social and professional integration can obtain a temporary residence permit for six months, allowing them to work, and it can be renewed for the entire duration of the pathway (in accordance with article L. 425-4 of the CESEDA).’^{[footnote 329]}

15.9 Support

15.9.1 The 2024 USSD TiP noted that the French government: ‘… provided funding for Ac-Se, an anti-trafficking NGO-managed network of 88 partners, including 58 partner shelters; five NGOs that act as reception facilities and specialized service providers; two combined reception and advice centers; and 22 specialized service providers assisting adult victims of sex and labor trafficking. The Ac-Se network provided victims with shelter, legal, medical, and psychological services.’^{[footnote 330]}

15.9.2 Ac-Se is a national network of shelters and organisations specialising in human trafficking which is financed by the Ministry of Women’s Rights and the Ministry of Justice^{[footnote 331]}. Ac-Se’s website noted:

‘Our missions are:

• ‘To protect adult victims of human trafficking for the purpose of exploitation or forced marriage, in danger or vulnerable, by providing an opportunity to relocate

• ‘To operate a resource center that provides options to resolve common issues related to human trafficking, aimed at all intervening actors in contact with potential victims (legal and social services advice by phone, publication of technical documents, organization and presentation of training sessions and seminars…).’^{[footnote 332]}

15.9.3 The 2024 TiP added: ‘While only partial data on victim assistance was available, government-funded NGOs reported assisting a total of at least 330 trafficking victims, including the provision of legal support for 243 victims, psychological assistance for 175 victims, state healthcare application for 75 victims, immigration assistance for 166 victims, employment assistance for 52 victims, and shelter for 79 adult victims in 2022.’^{[footnote 333]} While the TiP did not specifically state that the NGO assistance described in this paragraph related to officially recognised VoT – those cooperating with police investigations – the numbers involved are consistent with the 362 VoT identified by the police in 2022.

15.9.4 The TiP went on to explain that the French government did not record the number of VoT who received support from NGOs but who were not cooperating with police investigations, in other words, the number of VoT who were not officially recognised but who still received support:

‘Although formal victim identification required law enforcement cooperation, victims who chose not to participate in criminal justice proceedings could still receive free medical attention and access to other services available from Ac-Se. Local governments provided French language classes to victims, and some victims could qualify for subsidized housing and job training programs, but the government did not report the number of victims provided with these benefits….’^{[footnote 334]}

15.9.5 The French government’s February 2025 response to GRETA’s questionnaire reported that 6,022 trafficking victims were identified in 2023 by Civil Society Associations and 4,160 received individual support^{[footnote 335]}.

15.9.6 A translation of a factsheet on the website of the Government of France’s Ministry for Gender Equality and the Fight Against Discrimination (Ministère chargé de l’Égalité entre les femmes et les hommes et de la Lutte contre les discriminations) explained

‘In addition to the common law provisions such as CHRS and the reserved places of the Ac.Sé system, several specialized structures allow for the reception of trafficking victims in secure conditions and are able to offer local social, legal, and administrative support tailored to their needs. Among these structures, we can notably mention:

• in Paris, the Jorbalan shelter managed by the AFJ association (12 places), specialized in welcoming adult women, primarily victims of sexual exploitation;

• in the Paris region, the secure apartment for reintegration and stabilization (6 places) set up by the Committee against Modern Slavery (CCEM), specifically dedicated to the reception of women who are victims of trafficking for labor exploitation;

• in Lyon, Paris, Marseille, Colombes or in Seine-Saint-Denis, the association l’Amicale du Nid manages CHRS places specialized in welcoming victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation.’^{[footnote 336]}

15.10 NGOs working with trafficking victims

15.10.1 ARAP-Rubis (Association Réflexion Action Prévention) is based in Nîmes. The organisation has a Prostitution Unit which helps victims of trafficking, as well as others. The Prostitution Unit provides assistance including medical and socio-professional procedures (all information translated from French in house):

‘We offer, by appointment, support with administrative and social procedures, in particular towards access to law and care. We can also provide victims of human trafficking with support in their procedures and emergency accommodation. Interviews can be offered in different languages. In addition, our association supports people wishing to quit prostitution or who have already stopped prostitution in their professional integration: … job search, creating or updating CVs, writing cover letters, preparing for job interviews, registering for the local mission, research and applications for professional training or integration projects, etc.’^{[footnote 337]}

15.10.2 The website of Association Foyer Jorbalan (AFJ) explained the aims of the organisation:

‘The only shelter in France founded for the protection of women victims of trafficking, the missions of the AFJ shelter are:

• ‘To welcome and protect victims of trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

• ‘To offer comprehensive support to promote the autonomy of the people welcomed.

• ‘Train and raise awareness on the care of victims of trafficking.’^{[footnote 338]}

15.10.3 The website of the AFJ stated that the organisation provides individualised care, including psychological support, legal support, material assistance (including food and clothing), and accommodation. Support is long-term^{[footnote 339]}.

15.10.4 The AFJ has 12 places in double/single rooms. Criteria for admission is:

• ‘Be an adult woman without children who is a victim of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

• ‘Be identified as a victim of trafficking or potential victim as part of the assessment. (The identification of the victim by the police is not an essential criterion.)

• ‘To need shelter given the danger posed by violence, threats and pressure from the operating network.

• ‘Seek help to escape a network and leave the prostitution situation.

• ‘Accept the conditions of care and safety instructions so as not to endanger the group of women accommodated.

• ‘Denouncing a network to the police is not a criterion for having access to shelter.’^{[footnote 340]}

15.10.5 Amicale du Nid is a NGO working with people involved in sex work, including victims of trafficking. The website states:

‘The Amicale du Nid welcomes women, men, transgender people, people in danger, who have known or are in a situation of prostitution. It offers support towards the exit from prostitution. To do this, the Amicale du Nid:

• …Accompanies people, at their own pace and according to their request, with a view to socio-professional integration

• Offers emergency or integration accommodation, workshops to adapt to working life, adapted housing’^{[footnote 341]}

15.10.6 An undated article on the website stated, ‘… the association meets more than 4,800 people in a situation or at risk of prostitution each year, welcomes and accompanies more than 5,000, and accommodates more than 400.’^{[footnote 342]}

15.10.7 Aux Captifs, la Libération (Freedom for the Captives) ‘…is a Catholic association of volunteers and professionals, whose mission is to reach out to people in very precarious situations, homeless or in prostitution, whatever their origins and beliefs…’^{[footnote 343]} The organisation has 10 branches in Paris, plus branches in Lyon, Nîmes, and Bordeaux^{[footnote 344]}. The organisation provides assistance for people in prostitution, including victims of trafficking:

‘At Les Captifs, we have developed real expertise in supporting these victims of trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation. We support them in a holistic way, … but we also offer them, if they wish, more specific support by helping them to file a complaint against the [trafficking] network, by physically accompanying them during judgments, by helping them and their families to take shelter from the network. This was done in collaboration with the French State and in particular the MIPROF (Interministerial Mission for the Protection of Women against Violence and the Fight against Human Trafficking).’^{[footnote 345]}

15.10.8 The assistance provided for women in prostitution includes the following:

• Outreach: ‘Most of the people we met are victims of Human Trafficking networks. … if they wish, they get involved in the activities of the branch, … or even start social support and enter into a Prostitution Exit Pathway.’^{[footnote 346]}

• Reception centres: ‘The reception centres are places of respite. They are open all year round for people who wish to take a breather, be listened to, talk, … request social support, receive their mail…’^{[footnote 347]}

• Support and social follow-up: ‘This comprehensive support is provided by teams of volunteers and professional social workers, very often in collaboration with associative and specialised public partners: In the health and social sphere: administrative domiciliation, access to social rights, assistance with housing, legal aid, professional integration, health orientation, exit from prostitution; On the cultural level: artistic workshops, cultural outings; …’^{[footnote 348]}

• Exit from prostitution pathway: ‘In July 2017, Les Captifs obtained approval to be operate the exit from prostitution (PSP) and social and professional integration pathway. … people benefit from comprehensive support, a temporary residence permit (APS) allowing them to carry out a professional activity and financial aid for social and professional integration (AFIS). This course lasts 6 months, renewable up to a maximum of 24 months.’^{[footnote 349]}

15.10.9 An undated article on the website reported 15,000 meetings per year (but didn’t specify the nature of the meetings) and 850 health talks per year^{[footnote 350]}.

15.10.10 Bus des Femmes (Women’s Bus) provides social support and health assistance to sex workers, including people trafficked for sexual exploitation. The organisation’s website stated: ‘[We]… provide assistance, defence and protection to adult or minor victims of trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, regardless of the location.’^{[footnote 351]} The website added: ‘The association is registered on the lists of ad hoc administrators of the Paris Court of Appeal. It represents underage girls in asylum applications and legal proceedings.’^{[footnote 352]} (all information translated from French in house).

15.10.11 ECPAT France is ‘… a French NGO, a member of the ECPAT [End Child Prostitution and Trafficking] International network, whose mandate is to fight, in France and internationally, against the sexual exploitation of children.’^{[footnote 353]} (all information translated from French in house). The website did not specify the type of assistance or services ECPAT France provides to trafficking victims.

15.10.12 The Mouvement du Nid also works with people involved in sex work, including victims of trafficking. An undated article on the organisation’s website explained: ‘With its partners, the Mouvement du Nid-France supports… [sex workers] in their efforts to access justice, health care and social security. And when they take steps to leave prostitution, we are also there at their side. Since the creation of exit pathways by the law of 13 April 2016, the Mouvement du Nid, approved in 17 departments, has also been supporting people in this way.’^{[footnote 354]} The Mouvement du Nid is authorised to accompany asylum-seekers to appointments at OFPRA^{[footnote 355]}.

15.10.13 The website of the Comité Contre l’Esclavage Moderne (CCEM) (Committee Against Modern Slavery) has a team of 14 people (including 11 full-time employees and 2/3 interns) and a network of more than 80 volunteers (lawyers, psychologists, translators, doctors, students or retirees)^{[footnote 356]}. The website explained the purpose of the organisation (all information translated from French in house):

‘The CCEM fights against all forms of slavery, servitude and human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation…

‘… the mandate of the CCEM includes victims of trafficking for the purpose of forced begging or coercion to commit crimes. The CCEM supports victims, the vast majority of whom are women or girls in a situation of domestic servitude, but also male victims of human trafficking for economic purposes in the construction, catering, trade, crafts, small businesses or agriculture sectors. It provides them with comprehensive social, legal and administrative support… The CCEM also acts to raise awareness among professionals and the general public and to enforce legislation…’^{[footnote 357]}

15.10.14 The CCEM provided information about the identification and reception of trafficking victims:

‘For years, the CCEM has been receiving new reports [of trafficking victims] every day. Social workers, volunteers or professionals from associations, neighbours, shopkeepers, labour inspectors, gendarmes, police officers, emergency doctors, and even simple attentive passers-by, report [trafficking victims to the CCEM]…

‘Before deciding on care, the CCEM studies the background of each person reported as well as his or her current situation as part of a holistic approach (legal, administrative and social). The average time between a telephone report and effective care is 1 to 3 months (average of 46 days) depending on the information provided by the reporter and after the person’s agreement. Some care is decided on an emergency basis, particularly in the event of violence and the need for immediate shelter. The care provided lasts on average four to five years at the social level and can go up to 12 years at the legal level…

‘…The number of new victims treated each year varies between thirty and forty people. They are usually women, who ask for help and assistance…’^{[footnote 358]}

15.10.15 The CCEM also provided information about legal support provided, which included the following:

‘… It is common for the CCEM to assist victims in proceedings that can last several years…

‘…In parallel with criminal proceedings, the Committee often accompanies people before other courts, such as the Labour Court or the administrative courts…

‘When the people being accompanied are foreigners and in administrative precariousness, the CCEM’s legal team accompanies them in their regularisation procedures or in their asylum application. These steps are essential for any access to rights and real protection, according to French law.

‘This support requires support in drafting the asylum application or submitting an application for a residence permit, as well as various forms of support to the prefectural services and OFPRA. To assert their right, it is sometimes necessary to refer the matter to the administrative courts (administrative courts, administrative courts of appeal, national court of asylum, etc.).’^{[footnote 359]}

15.10.16 The CCEM also provided information about social and psychological support offered to trafficking victims:

‘…People benefit from an individualized support project that allows the person and the social worker to define the priorities, objectives and needs of the support…

‘The people in care are … supported in accessing basic needs as well as their procedures for access to rights with the administrations, in particular for access to health coverage, or the opening of a bank account.

‘For accommodation, the CCEM supports people supported within the framework of common law mechanisms … to find shelter and accommodation solutions. In addition, the CCEM has an emergency apartment with 6 places for women…

‘In order to better support people in their integration process, cultural and well-being assistance is also offered. The CCEM’s professional integration work is carried out by a volunteer (former integration professional) in order to support people in building an integration pathway, access to training, job search, etc.

‘The CCEM also offers psychological support and guidance to victims in care.

‘… after an initial individual meeting and an assessment of the victim’s condition, … the psychologist offers him more or less regular care. Follow-up takes place in French, Arabic or English.

‘In parallel with this follow-up, the CCEM psychologist can accompany the people in care from time to time during key moments in their procedure, such as the filing of a complaint, the confrontation with the perpetrators or the court hearing.

‘The psychologist is also required to manage emergency situations, in close collaboration with the competent organizations… People are generally redirected to partner structures for longer-term psychological follow-up or psychiatric support…’^{[footnote 360]}

15.10.17 In the Annual Report 2023, CCEM stated that it had assisted with legal services for obtaining protection for 9 asylum-seekers^{[footnote 361]}.

16. Human rights law

16.1.1 There are 9 core international human rights instruments, of which France is a state party to 8^{[footnote 362] [footnote 363]}.

16.1.2 France is a member of the Council of Europe (COE)^{[footnote 364]}, members of which must accept ‘… the principles of the rule of law and of the enjoyment by all persons within its jurisdiction of human rights and fundamental freedoms.’^{[footnote 365]} France has ratified the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)^{[footnote 366]} as well as other COE conventions protecting fundamental rights^{[footnote 367]}.

16.1.3 A January 2025 ECtHR press country profile of France noted: ‘The Court dealt with 709 applications concerning France in 2024, of which 662 were declared inadmissible or struck out. It delivered 32 judgments (concerning 47 applications), 12 of which found at least one violation of the European Convention on Human Rights.’^{[footnote 368]}

17. Human rights oversight

17.1.1 The Commission Nationale Consultative des Droits de l’Homme (CNCDH) (National Consultative Commission on Human Rights) is France’s national institution for the protection and promotion of human rights. Additionally, it monitors France’s compliance with its international commitments regarding human rights, humanitarian law, and public freedoms ^{[footnote 369]}.

17.1.2 The CNCDH has been accredited by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) as being fully compliant^{[footnote 370]} with the Paris Principles, which ‘set out the minimum standards that NHRIs [National Human Rights Institutions] must meet in order to be considered credible and to operate effectively.’^{[footnote 371]} GANHRI is a worldwide network which represents 118 national human rights institutions ^{[footnote 372]}.

17.1.3 The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) noted in its 2022 report:

‘The main equality body in France is the Défenseur des Droits (Defender of Rights, DDD)… In particular, the DDD is responsible for dealing with all forms of discrimination, both direct and indirect, in all areas of public and private law. The DDD… can make recommendations on existing legislation or regulations and issue orders (“injonctions”) [injunctions] in cases of non-compliance… the DDD investigates complaints and can provide assistance to victims, offering in particular to mediate or making submissions to a court… The DDD’s decisions have the status of administrative decisions and are not binding…’^{[footnote 373]}

17.1.4 The Service-Public website provided information about the Inspector-General of facilities for the deprivation of liberty (Contrôleur général des lieux de privation de liberté, or CGLPL) (information translated from French in house). The website stated, ‘This is an independent administrative authority which intervenes to put an end to an infringement of the fundamental rights of persons deprived of liberty. This authority has the power to inspect the establishments depriving them of their liberty. It can be referred to by the persons deprived of liberty or by any person who notices a violation of their rights…’^{[footnote 374]}

18. Irregular migrant camps

18.1.1 Various sources have reported on conditions in irregular migrant camps and attempts by the French authorities to clear the camps. Most of the reporting relates to camps in Paris and Calais:

• Associated Press, French police evict hundreds from abandoned Paris warehouse ahead of Olympics, 18 April 2024

• Forum Réfugiés, 2023 Country report (pages 123-126), 1 May 2024

• POLITICO, Calais’ Jungle is gone, but the migrants keep coming, 2 July 2024

• BBC News, Mayors call for PM to visit Calais migrant camps, 3 March 2025

• INFOMIGRANTS, Paris police evict unaccompanied minors from Gaîté Lyrique amid clashes, 18 March 2025

Research methodology

The country [of origin] information (COI) in this note has been carefully selected in accordance with the general principles of COI research as set out in the Common EU [European Union] Guidelines for Processing Country of Origin Information (COI), April 2008, and the Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation’s (ACCORD), Researching Country Origin Information – Training Manual, 2024. Namely, taking into account the COI’s relevance, reliability, accuracy, balance, currency, transparency and traceability.

Sources and the information they provide are carefully considered before inclusion. Factors relevant to the assessment of the reliability of sources and information include:

• the motivation, purpose, knowledge and experience of the source

• how the information was obtained, including specific methodologies used

• the currency and detail of information

• whether the COI is consistent with and/or corroborated by other sources

Commentary may be provided on source(s) and information to help readers understand the meaning and limits of the COI.

Wherever possible, multiple sourcing is used and the COI compared to ensure that it is accurate and balanced, and provides a comprehensive and up-to-date picture of the issues relevant to this note at the time of publication.

The inclusion of a source is not, however, an endorsement of it or any view(s) expressed.

Each piece of information is referenced in a footnote.

Full details of all sources cited and consulted in compiling the note are listed alphabetically in the bibliography.

Terms of Reference

The ‘Terms of Reference’ (ToR) provides a broad outline of the issues relevant to the scope of this note and forms the basis for the country information.

The following topics were identified prior to drafting as relevant and on which research was undertaken:

• Asylum/refugee law and policy

  • International, regional, domestic

  • Protection status categories and associated documentation and rights

  • Ineligibility and revocation

• Refugee Status Determination (RSD) framework

  • Roles/responsibilities of the state, UNHCR, other organisations

  • Access to and operation of the asylum procedure

  • Access to information, assistance and support (including interpreters and legal representation)

  • Provisions/support for claimants with specific needs

  • Right of appeal

  • Oversight/monitoring/complaint mechanisms

• RSD capacity and outcomes

  • Number and nationality of claimants

  • Decision outcomes

• Wellbeing and integration

  • Accommodation

  • Employment

  • Healthcare

  • Other assistance (including financial)

• Removals

  • Refoulement

  • Voluntary and enforced removals

• Detention for immigration purposes

• Modern slavery and human trafficking

Bibliography

Sources cited

Ac.Sé

• About Ac.Sé, no date. Accessed: 24 June 2025

Action Emploi Réfugiés,

• The service of connecting refugees and employers, no date. Accessed: 5 June 2025

• What is the AVEC program? no date. Accessed: 5 June 2025

• What is the SOCLE support programme?, no date. Accessed: 5 June 2025

Ameli

• List of products and services – BVG, no date. Accessed: 24 June 2025

Amicale du Nid

• Presentation - Amicale du Nid, no date. Accessed: 17 April 2025

A.R.A.P. Rubis

• Prostitution Unit, no date. Accessed: 24 April 2025

Association Foyer Jorbalan,

• Admission procedures, no date. Accessed: 17 April 2025

• Our missions, no date. Accessed: 17 April 2025

• Welcome, no date. Accessed: 17 April 2025

Associated Press (AP)

• French police evict hundreds from abandoned Paris warehouse ahead of Olympics, 18 April 2024. Accessed: 17 April 2025

Aux Captifs,

• Exit from prostitution journey, no date. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Fight against trafficking in human beings, no date. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Home, no date. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Our branches, no date. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Outreach - Street tours and digital tours, no date. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Prostitution, no date. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Reception Centres, no date. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Support and social follow-up, no date. Accessed: 24 June 2025

BBC

• Mayors call for PM to visit Calais migrant camps, 3 March 2025. Accessed: 25 March 2025

Bus des Femmes,

• The association, no date. Accessed: 24 April 2025

• Fight against human trafficking, no date. Accessed: 24 April 2025

Centre National de Ressources et de Résiliences (Cn2r),

• Finding a care facility – Regional psychotrauma centers (CRP), no date. Accessed: 5 June 2025

• Who we are, no date. Accessed: 5 June 2025

Centres régionaux du psychotraumatismes (CRP)

• Who are we?, 13 January 2025. Accessed: 5 June 2025

CNDA (Cour Nationale du Droit D’Asile/National Court of Asylum),

• Challenging a decision of the CNDA, no date. Accessed: 5 June 2025

• Key figures 2021, 6 January 2022. Accessed: 24 March 2025

• Key figures 2022, 4 January 2023. Accessed: 24 March 2025

• Key figures 2023, 10 January 2024. Accessed: 24 March 2025

• Key figures 2024, 14 February 2025. Accessed: 24 March 2025

Comede,

• Comede in the PACA region, no date. Accessed: 11 April 2025

• Comede, Loire, no date. Accessed: 11 April 2025

• The Health Centre in Bicêtre, no date. Accessed: 10 April 2025

Comité Contre l’Esclavage Moderne (CCEM),

• Legal support, no date. Accessed: 22 April 2025

• Our activity reports, no date. Accessed: 22 April 2025

• Our Mission, no date. Accessed: 22 April 2025

• Reception and associative life, no date. Accessed: 22 April 2025

• Social and psychological support, no date. Accessed: 22 April 2025

Conseil Constitutionnel

• Constitution of 4 October 1958, 4 October 1958. Accessed: 19 March 2025

Conseil d’Etat (Council of State)

• The missions of the Council of State, no dated. Accessed: 24 March 2025

Council of Europe (COE),

• GRETA - Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, no date. Accessed: 20 March 2025

• Monitoring of the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, no date. Accessed: 20 March 2025

• Réponse de la France au questionnaire pour l’évaluation de la mise en œuvre de la Convention du Conseil de l’Europe sur la lutte contre la traite des êtres humains par la France, 26 February 2025. Accessed: 2 April 2025

• Statute of the Council of Europe (ETS No. 001), 3 August 1949. Accessed: 3 April 2025

• Treaty list for a specific State (France), 3 April 2025. Accessed: 3 April 2025

Croix Rouge

• Lutter contre toutes les formes d’exclusion, pas à pas, 23 January 2025. Accessed: 23 April 2025

Défenseur des Droits (DDD),

• Discover the Ombudsman, no date. Accessed: 15 April 2025

• Framework Decision 2024-061 of 23 April 2024 on respect for the rights of migrants at the French-Italian internal border, 23 April 2024. Accessed: 15 April 2025

ECPAT

• Vision, Mission & Values, no date. Accessed: 25 April 2025

EPSAN,

• Homepage, no date. Accessed: 30 July 2025

• Permanence d’Accès aux Soins de Santé Spécialisée en Psychiatrie, no date. Accessed: 30 July 2025

EUR Lex

• Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person (recast), 29 June 2013. Accessed: 19 March 2025

European Commission

• Common European Asylum System, no date. Accessed: 19 March 2025

European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI)

• ECRI Report on France (sixth monitoring cycle), 21 September 2022. Accessed: 2 April 2025

European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR),

• European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), 1 August 2021. Accessed: 3 April 2025

• Press Country Profile: France, January 2025. Accessed: 3 April 2025

• Resolution CM/ResDH(2024)68 Execution of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights, N.H. and Others against France, 10 April 2024. Accessed: 1 August 2025

European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies

• France: health system summary 2024, 6 December 2024. Accessed: 17 April 2025

European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA),

• Information on procedural elements and rights of applicants subject to a Dublin transfer to France, 17 April 2023. Accessed: 24 March 2025

• Key first instance indicators by EU+ country, November 2024, 5 December 2024. Accessed: 21 March 2025

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (EUFRA)

• Scope of the principle of non-refoulement in contemporary border management: evolving areas of law, 2016. Accessed: 1 April 2025

Eurostat

• Hospital beds by function and type of care, 11 December 2024. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Physicians by category, 11 December 2024. Accessed: 24 June 2025

Forum Réfugiés

• 2023 Country report, 1 May 2024. Accessed: 25 March 2025

• About us, no date. Accessed: 2 June 2025

• Access to the territory and push backs, 11 June 2025. Accessed: 28 July 2025

• Administrative Detention Annual Report 2024, 29 April 2025. Accessed: 3 June 2025

• Asylum Procedure, updated 11 June 2025. Accessed: 28 July 2025

• Asylum seekers in France - Accommodation centres, no date. Accessed: 3 June 2025

• Asylum seekers in France - First reception, no date. Accessed: 3 June 2025

• Asylum seekers in France - OFPRA interview, no date. Accessed: 3 June 2025

• Content of International Protection, 10 July 2024. Accessed: 25 March 2025

• Country report: Health care, last updated 11 June 2025. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Detention of Asylum Seekers, updated 11 June 2025. Accessed: 28 July 2025

• ESSOR 63 Care Centre, no date. Accessed: 14 April 2025

• ESSOR 69 Health Centre, no date. Accessed: 14 April 2025

• Mental health, victim support, no date. Accessed: 3 June 2025

• Overview of the legal framework, updated 11 June 2025. Accessed: 28 July 2025

• Parliamentary report highlights failures in child protection for unaccompanied foreign youth, 18 April 2025. Accessed: 28 July 2025

• Forum Réfugiés, Reception conditions, 11 June 2025. Accessed: 28 July 2025

• Refugees in France - Accommodation, no date. Accessed: 3 June 2025

• Refugees in France - Resettlement Programs, no date. Accessed: 3 June 2025

• Santé mentale, aide aux victimes, no date. Accessed: 14 April 2025

• Short overview of the reception system, 10 July 2024. Accessed: 25 March 2025

• Types of accommodation, 11 June 2025. Accessed: 28 July 2025

• Welcome, no date. Accessed: 3 June 2025

France 3 regions

• “Laissez-moi récupérer mes rêves”: l’association bordelaise Mana aide des migrantes à se reconstruire, 21 December 2021. Accessed: 24 June 2025

France Terre d’Asile,

• Corporate purpose, no date. Accessed: 16 April 2025

• Mental health of asylum seekers: the results of the study by France terre d’asile, July 2023. Accessed: 16 April 2025

Generis Global

• An Overview of the Healthcare System in France: Structure, Funding, and Oversight, 15 November 2024. Accessed: 1 April 2025

Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)

• Members, no date. Accessed: 3 April 2025

• Paris principles, no date. Accessed: 3 April 2025

• Status accreditation chart, 31 December 2024. Accessed: 3 April 2025

Government of France (GoF)

• Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum, 23 March 2025. Accessed: 1 April 2025

• List of products and services (BVG), no date. Accessed: 17 April 2025

• National Plan to Fight Exploitation and Human Trafficking 2024 - 2027, December 2023. Accessed: 1 April 2025

• Penal Code (as Amended in 2013), 5 August 2013. Accessed: 1 April 2025

• Ministry for Gender Equality and the Fight Against Discrimination, Factsheet, 7 October 2022. Accessed: 6 August 2025

Government of France (GoF), Interior Ministry

• Access to healthcare - Asylum, 15 March 2021

• Demandes d’asile, 4 February 2025. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Government of France (GoF), Ministry of Gender Equality and the Fight against Discrimination (MGE), Identifying and Protecting Victims of Human Trafficking: A Training Guide, 10 July 2022. Accessed: 5 June 2025

Government of France (GoF), Ministry of Labour, Health, Solidarity and Families

• The VigilanS recontact system, 5 February 2024. Accessed: 25 April 2025

• What to do and who to turn to in the face of a suicidal crisis?, 6 August 2024. Accessed: 25 April 2025

Government of France (GoF) Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII)

• Return and reintegration assistance schemes, no date. Accessed: 1 April 2025

Government of France (GoF), Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA),

• 2024 Activity Report, 20 June 2025. Accessed: 28 July 2025

• Accelerated Procedure, no date. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Applying for Asylum, 13 February 2025. Accessed: 20 March 2025

• Assistance by a third party during the interview, updated 21 April 2023. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Dacim, no date. Accessed: 20 March 2025

• Examination, 3 March 2025. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Examination Units, no date. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Exclusion and decision not to grant refugee status, no date. Accessed: 21 March 2025

• Liste des pays d’origine sûrs (List of safe countries of origin), March 2023. Accessed: 1 April 2025

• Specific procedures, 9 January 2025. Accessed: 24 March 2025

• Taking vulnerabilities into account, 23 December 2024. Accessed: 21 March 2025

Group for Information and Support of Immigrants (GISTI),

• Applying for asylum in France, 5 November 2024. Accessed: 4 June 2025

• The GISTI?, no date. Accessed: 4 June 2025

Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA),

• Evaluation report France Third evaluation round Access to justice and effective remedies for victims of trafficking in human beings , 18 February 2022. Accessed: 1 April 2025

• Government’s Reply to GRETA Questionnaire, 26 February 2025. Accessed: 1 April 2025

HUDOC

• M.K Related documents, 8 December 2022. Accessed: 1 August 2025

Info Migrants

• France: An overview of associations that help migrants.), 18 October 2024. Accessed: 31 March 2025

• Paris police evict unaccompanied minors from Gaîté Lyrique amid clashes, 18 March 2025. Accessed: 1 April 2025

International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD)

• ICMPD Migration Outlook 2025, 20 January 2025. Accessed: 1 April 2025

La Cimade

• About us – missions, no date. Accessed: 11 June 2025

• L’Asile en terre hostile, June 2024. Accessed: 10 June 2025

• The lost figures of the Dubliners have been found!, 5 September 2024. Accessed: 10 June 2025

Légifrance

• Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum, n/d. Accessed: 5 August 2025

• Decree of 13 January 2021 on the specifications for reception centres and the assessment of the administrative situation, 13 January 2021. Accessed: 2 June 2025

How to file a complaint?, 16 October 2024. Accessed: 5 August 2025

Les Champs de Booz

• The association, no date. Accessed: 25 April 2025

• Our actions, no date. Accessed: 25 April 2025

Médecins du Monde

• Humanitarian Aid Association in Angoulême, no date. Accessed: 23 April 2025

• Humanitarian Aid Association in Caen, no date. Accessed: 23 April 2025

• Humanitarian Aid Association in Nantes, no date. Accessed: 23 April 2025

• Humanitarian Aid Association in Paris, no date. Accessed: 23 April 2025

• Humanitarian Aid Association in Toulouse, no date. Accessed: 23 April 2025

Mouvement du Nid

• 2023 Annual Report, July 2024. Accessed: 17 April 2025

• Who are we?, no date. Accessed: 17 April 2025

National Assembly

• On behalf of the Commission of Inquiry into the failures of public child protection policies, 1 April 2025. Accessed: 28 July 2025

National Consultative Commission on Human Rights (CNCDH)

• Presentation, updated 4 December 2024. Accessed: 1 April 2025

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR),

• The Core International Human Rights Instruments and their monitoring bodies, no date. Accessed: 24 March 2025

• Status of ratification interactive dashboard, no date. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Universal Periodic Review – France, no date. Accessed: 3 April 2025

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

• State of Health in the EU France Country Health Profile 2023 (page 8), 15 December 2023. Accessed: 24 March 2025

Osiris

• Accompaniments, no date. Accessed: 11 April 2025

• Centre Osiris, no date. Accessed: 11 April 2025

Parole sans Frontière

• Home, no date. Accessed: 14 April 2025

• Team, no date. Accessed: 14 April 2025

POLITICO

• Calais’ Jungle is gone, but the migrants keep coming, 2 July 2024. Accessed: 2 April 2025

Primo Levi Centre

• Caring, no date. Accessed: 10 April 2025

• Home, no date. Accessed: 10 April 2025

• Mental Health of Exiles, June 2024. Accessed: 17 April 2025

• Who are we? no date. Accessed: 5 June 2025

Psycom

• About us, no date. Accessed: 14 April 2025

• Helplines, 8 April 2025. Accessed: 14 April 2025

• Permanence d’accès aux soins de santé (PASS), 4 March 2024. Accessed: 30 July 2025

• Resource centres, 25 March 2025. Accessed: 14 April 2025

• Self-help associations, 7 April 2025. Accessed: 14 April 2025

Refugies.info

• Apply for social housing (HLM), no date. Accessed: 25 March 2025

• Getting your residence permit, no date. Accessed: 25 March 2025

• Register and request assistance from CAF, no date. Accessed: 26 March 2025

• Request a travel document, no date. Accessed: 25 March 2025

Retab.fr

• At the origin of Retab.fr, no date. Accessed: 17 April 2025

• The search engine Retab.fr, no date. Accessed: 14 April 2025

• Structure search, no date. Accessed: 17 April 2025

Samusocial de Paris

• The Migrants Mission, no date. Accessed: 24 June 2025

Santé publique

• About us, 3 May 2021. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Mental health, 6 December 2023. Accessed: 14 April 2025

Service-Public

• 10-year resident card of a foreigner in France, 6 September 2024. Accessed: 20 March 2025

• Expulsion of a foreigner from France, 28 October 2024. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Family reunification, 28 January 2022. Accessed: 20 March 2025

• Home, no date. Accessed: 10 April 2025

• Inspector General of Places of Deprivation of Liberty, no date. Accessed: 22 April 2025

• Maintaining a foreigner in a Transit Zone, 30 April 2024. Accessed: 26 March 2025

• Maintaining a foreigner in a Transit Zone - Application for asylum, 30 April 2024. Accessed: 26 March 2025

• Obligation to leave French territory (OQTF), 13 November 2024. Accessed: 24 June 2025

• Refugee: residence permit, travel document and accompanying document, 2 August 2024. Accessed: 20 March 2025

• Refugee status, subsidiary or temporary protection: what differences?, 5 July 2024. Accessed: 20 March 2025

• Removal of a foreigner (expulsion, OQTF…), no date. Accessed: 1 April 2025

• What is an asylum application in the Dublin procedure? 23 December 2024. Accessed: 15 April 2025

• What is the Asylum Seeker Allowance (AAL)?, 16 May 2024. Accessed: 26 March 2025

• What is the Republican Integration Contract (CIR)?, no date. Accessed: 3 June 2025

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC)

• Concluding observations on the combined 6th and 7th periodic reports of France: Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/FRA/CO/6-7), 4 December 2023. Accessed: 4 June 2025

UNHCR

• Apply for asylum in France, no date. Accessed: 20 March 2025

• Rights and obligations, no date. Accessed: 21 March 2025

• States Parties to the 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol, updated 17 April 2015. Accessed: 19 March 2025

UNHCR France

• Commitment of French companies for solidarity and integration of refugees, June 2023. Accessed: 28 July 2025

• Factsheet UNHCR France February 2025, February 2025. Accessed: 28 July 2025

• Report a case of exploitation and abuse, no date. Accessed: 28 July 2025

U.S. Department of State (USSD)

• 2024 Trafficking in Persons (TiP) report: France, 24 June 2024. Accessed: 20 March 2025

Ville de Bordeaux

• Association Mana, no date.

Watizat

• Information guide for people in exile, March 2025. Accessed: 24 March 2025

World Health Organisation (WHO)

• Can people afford to pay for health care? New evidence on financial protection in France, 19 April 2024. Accessed: 14 April 2025

Sources consulted but not cited

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

• French Immigrant Communities Belie Far-Right Caricatures, 30 July 2024. Accessed: 2 April 2025

Council of Europe (COE)

• 14th General Report GRETA - Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, June 2025. Accessed: 28 July 2025

Défenseur des Droits (DDD)

• 2024 Annual Activity Report: The Defender of Rights calls for a collective response to rights breaches, 25 March 2025. Accessed: 16 April 2025

European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA)

• Applying the Concept of Safe Countries in the Asylum Procedure, December 2022. Accessed: 1 April 2025

Eurostat

• Migrant integration and inclusion dashboard (France), 27 November 2024. Accessed: 2 April 2025

Forum Réfugiés

• Refugees in France - Integration programmes, no date. Accessed: 3 June 2025

Government of France (GoF), Interior Ministry

• AGIR, pour l’emploi et le logement des personnes réfugiées, 2 December 2022. Accessed: 3 June 2025

• Études et statistiques /Info-ressources; Demandes d’asile, 4 February 2025. Accessed: 2 April 2025

• Human trafficking and France: The profile of victims supported by associations in 2022 26 November 2024. Accessed: 2 April 2025

Human Rights Watch (HRW)

• Subject to whim: the treatment of unaccompanied migrant children in the French Hautes-Alpes, 2019. Accessed: 15 April 2025

• World Report 2024 France, April 2025. Accessed: 1 April 2025

Inspector-General for facilities for the deprivation of liberty (Contrôleur général des lieux de privation de liberté, CGLPL)

• 2023 Activity Report, 27 June 2024. Accessed: 22 April 2025

Le Monde

• Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau’s stance on immigration is a cause for concern (Editorial), 25 September 2024. Accessed: 2 April 2025

The New Humanitarian

• How European countries wrongfully classify children seeking asylum as adults, 10 April 2024. Accessed: 4 June 2025

Tous Migrants

• Pratiques policières du contrôle de la frontière: Un an de refoulements (pushbacks) et de déni de droits à la frontière franco-italienne dans le Briançonnais, 18 January 2023. Accessed: 2 June 2025

U.S. Department of State (USSD)

• 2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practices: France, 23 April 2024. Accessed: 2 April 2025

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Independent Advisory Group on Country Information

The Independent Advisory Group on Country Information (IAGCI) was set up in March 2009 by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration to support them in reviewing the efficiency, effectiveness and consistency of approach of COI produced by the Home Office.

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1. UNHCR, States Parties to the 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol, updated 17 April 2015 ↩

2. Conseil Constitutionnel, Constitution of 4 October 1958 (Article 53(1)), 4 October 1958 ↩

3. European Commission, Common European Asylum System, no date ↩

4. EUFRA, Scope of the principle of non-refoulement… evolving areas of law (pages 13 to 15), 2016 ↩

5. EUR-Lex, Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the …, 29 June 2013 ↩

6. GoF, Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum, 23 March 2025 ↩

7. Forum Réfugiés, About us, no date ↩

8. Forum Réfugiés, Overview of the legal framework, updated 11 June 2025 ↩

9. Service-Public, Refugee status, subsidiary or temporary protection: what differences?, 5 July 2024 ↩

10. Service-Public, Home, no date ↩

11. Service-Public, Refugee status, subsidiary or temporary protection: what differences?, 5 July 2024 ↩

12. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum Procedure (section F.1 – Safe country of origin) 11 June 2025 ↩

13. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum Procedure (section F.1 – Safe country of origin) 11 June 2025 ↩

14. OFPRA, Accelerated Procedure, no date ↩

15. OFPRA, Liste des pays d’origine sûrs (List of safe countries of origin), March 2023 ↩

16. Service-Public, Family reunification, 28 January 2022 ↩

17. Service-Public, Family reunification, 28 January 2022 ↩

18. UNHCR, Apply for asylum in France, no date ↩

19. Service-Public, Refugee status, subsidiary or temporary protection: what differences?, 5 July 2024 ↩

20. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum Procedure (section A.3 – List of authorities …) 11 June 2025 ↩

21. UNHCR France, Annex 1 UNHCR France, 24 July 2025 ↩

22. OHCHR, Universal Periodic Review – France, no date ↩

23. OFPRA, Applying for Asylum, 13 February 2025 ↩

24. UNHCR, Apply for asylum in France, no date ↩

25. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum Procedure (G.1 Provision of information on the procedure) 11 June 2025 ↩

26. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum Procedure (section A.1 – Flow chart) 11 June 2025 ↩

27. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum Procedure (section C.1 – Regular procedure) 11 June 2025 ↩

28. OFPRA, Examination (Interview), 3 March 2025 ↩

29. OFPRA, Examination (Interview), 3 March 2025 ↩

30. OFPRA, Examination Units, no date ↩

31. OFPRA, Examination (Interview), no date, 3 March 2025 ↩

32. OFPRA, Examination (Decision), 3 March 2025 ↩

33. OFPRA, Examination (Decision), 3 March 2025 ↩

34. OFPRA, Examination (Decision), 3 March 2025 ↩

35. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum Procedure (section A.4 – Number of staff …) 11 June 2025 ↩

36. OFPRA, Examination (Decision), 3 March 2025 ↩

37. CNDA, Key figures 2024, 14 February 2025 ↩

38. Council of State, Missions, no date ↩

39. CNDA, Challenging a decision of the CNDA, no date ↩

40. CNDA, Key figures 2024, 14 February 2025 ↩

41. OFPRA, Specific procedures (Request a re-examination), 9 January 2025 ↩

42. OFPRA, Specific procedures (Request a re-examination), 9 January 2025 ↩

43. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum Procedure (section E – Subsequent applications) 11 June 2025 ↩

44. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum Procedure (section E – Subsequent applications) 11 June 2025 ↩

45. OFPRA, Exclusion and decision not to grant refugee status, no date ↩

46. OFPRA, Exclusion and decision not to grant refugee status, no date ↩

47. Service-Public, What is an asylum application in the Dublin procedure? 23 December 2024 ↩

48. Service-Public, What is an asylum application in the Dublin procedure? 23 December 2024 ↩

49. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum Procedure (section D1 - Identification) 11 June 2025 ↩

50. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum Procedure (section D1 - Identification) 11 June 2025 ↩

51. GISTI, The GISTI?, no date ↩

52. GISTI, Applying for asylum in France, 5 November 2024 ↩

53. CRC, Concluding observations on the combined 6th and 7th … (paragraph 44), 4 December 2023 ↩

54. CRC, Concluding observations on the combined 6th and 7t … (paragraph 44b), 4 December 2023 ↩

55. National Assembly, On behalf of the Commission of Inquiry…, 1 April 2025 ↩

56. Forum Réfugiés, Parliamentary report highlights failures in child protection…, 18 April 2025 ↩

57. UNHCR France, Annex 1 UNHCR France, 24 July 2025 ↩

58. Forum Réfugiés, Detention of Asylum Seekers (section A – General), 11 June 2025 ↩

59. Forum Réfugiés, Detention of Asylum Seekers (section A – General), 11 June 2025 ↩

60. Forum Réfugiés, Detention of Asylum Seekers (section B.4 – Duration of detention), 11 June 2025 ↩

61. Forum Réfugiés, Detention of Asylum Seekers (section B.4 – Grounds for detention), 11 June 2025 ↩

62. Forum Réfugiés, Detention of Asylum Seekers (section A – General), 11 June 2025 ↩

63. Service-Public, Maintaining a foreigner in a Transit Zone, 30 April 2024 ↩

64. Service-Public, Maintaining a foreigner in a Transit Zone - Application for asylum, 30 April 2024 ↩

65. Forum Réfugiés, Access to the territory and push backs, 11 June 2025 ↩

66. DDD, Discover the Ombudsman, no date ↩

67. DDD, Framework Decision 2024-061 of 23 April 2024… (paras 2-10), 23 April 2024 ↩

68. DDD, Framework Decision 2024-061 of 23 April 2024… (para 505), 23 April 2024 ↩

69. OFPRA, Examination (Interview), no date, 3 March 2025 ↩

70. OFPRA, Assistance by a third party during the interview, updated 21 April 2023 ↩

71. Watizat, Information guide for people in exile (pages 11 to 12), March 2025 ↩

72. EUAA, Information on procedural elements and rights of applicants … (4.1), 17 April 2023 ↩

73. EUAA, Information on procedural elements and rights of applicants … (4.2), 17 April 2023 ↩

74. CNDA, Challenging a decision of the CNDA, no date ↩

75. EUAA, Information on procedural elements and rights of applicants … (1.7), 17 April 2023 ↩

76. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum Procedure (D.4 – Legal rep… of unaccompanied children) 11 June 2025 ↩

77. OFPRA, Dacim, no date ↩

78. OFPRA, Applying for Asylum, 13 February 2025 ↩

79. EUAA, Information on procedural elements and rights of applicants … (1.3), 17 April 2023 ↩

80. EUAA, Information on procedural elements and rights of applicants … (1.3), 17 April 2023 ↩

81. EUAA, Information on procedural elements and rights of applicants … (1.7), 17 April 2023 ↩

82. OFPRA, Taking vulnerabilities into account (accompanied during … interview), 23 December 2024 ↩

83. OFPRA, Taking vulnerabilities into account (I have a disability), 23 December 2024 ↩

84. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum Procedure (section D.2 – Special procedural guarantees) 11 June 2025 ↩

85. UNHCR France, Factsheet UNHCR France February 2025, February 2025 ↩

86. GoF MGE, Identifying and Protecting Victims of Human Trafficking… (IV(A)(3)(c)), 10 July 2022 ↩

87. USSD, 2024 TiP report: France (Protection), 24 June 2024 ↩

88. COE, Réponse de la France au questionnaire… (page 15), 26 February 2025 ↩

89. COE, Réponse de la France au questionnaire… (page 15), 26 February 2025 ↩

90. COE, Réponse de la France au questionnaire… (page 15), 26 February 2025 ↩

91. COE, Réponse de la France au questionnaire… (page 16), 26 February 2025 ↩

92. Forum Refugies, Types of accommodation, 11 June 2025 ↩

93. GoF MGE, Identifying and Protecting Victims of Human Trafficking… (IV(A)(1)(d)), 10 July 2022 ↩

94. UNHCR France, Report a case of exploitation and abuse, no date ↩

95. Service-Public, Refugee: residence permit, travel document and accompanying…, 2 August 2024 ↩

96. Service-Public, 10-year resident card of a foreigner in France, 6 September 2024 ↩

97. UNHCR, Rights and obligations (… of beneficiaries of subsidiary protection), no date ↩

98. Refugies.info, Getting your residence permit, no date ↩

99. Refugies.info, Request a travel document, no date ↩

100. Forum Réfugiés, Content of International Protection (C.2 – Travel documents), 10 July 2024 ↩

101. ICMPD, ICMPD Migration Outlook 2025 (page 48), 20 January 2025 ↩

102. EUAA, Key first instance indicators by EU+ country, November 2024, 5 December 2024 ↩

103. OFPRA, Activity Report 2024, 20 June 2025 ↩

104. French Interior Ministry, Demandes d’asile (section 3.1), 4 February 2025 ↩

105. CNDA, Key figures 2021, 6 January 2022 ↩

106. CNDA, Key figures 2022, 4 January 2023 ↩

107. CNDA, Key figures 2023, 10 January 2024 ↩

108. CNDA, Key figures 2024, 14 February 2025 ↩

109. Forum Réfugiés, Reception conditions (Section A.1 – Criteria and restrictions…), 11 June 2025 ↩

110. Forum Réfugiés, Types of accommodation, 11 June 2025 ↩

111. EUAA, Information on procedural elements and rights of applicants … (1.2), 17 April 2023 ↩

112. Forum Réfugiés, Types of accommodation, 11 June 2025 ↩

113. GoF, Q&A #1 (3.3.1) [Available on request], 7 July 2025 ↩

114. Forum Réfugiés, Types of accommodation, 11 June 2025 ↩

115. Forum Réfugiés, Types of accommodation, 11 June 2025 ↩

116. Forum Réfugiés, Reception conditions (Sec B.2 – Conditions in reception facilities), 11 June 2025 ↩

117. Forum Réfugiés, Reception conditions (Sec B.2 – Conditions in reception facilities), 11 June 2025 ↩

118. Forum Réfugiés, Reception conditions (Sec B.2 – Conditions in reception facilities), 11 June 2025 ↩

119. Forum Réfugiés, Short overview of the reception system, 10 July 2024 ↩

120. Retab.fr, The search engine Retab.fr, no date ↩

121. Retab.fr, Structure search, no date ↩

122. Legifrance, Decree of 13 January 2021 on the specifications for reception centres…, 13 Jan 2021 ↩

123. Legifrance, Decree of 13 January 2021 on the specifications for reception centres…, 13 Jan 2021 ↩

124. GoF, Q&A #1 (3.3.1) [Available on request], 7 July 2025 ↩

125. Legifrance, Decree of 13 January 2021 on the specifications for reception centres…, 13 Jan 2021 ↩

126. Forum Réfugiés, Types of accommodation, 11 June 2025 ↩

127. Forum Réfugiés, Types of accommodation, 11 June 2025 ↩

128. La Cimade, About us – missions, no date ↩

129. GoF, Q&A #1 (3.3.1) [Available on request], 7 July 2025 ↩

130. La Cimade, L’Asile en terre hostile (pages 53, 55), June 2024 ↩

131. La Cimade, L’Asile en terre hostile (page 55), June 2024 ↩

132. La Cimade, The lost figures of the Dubliners have been found!, 5 September 2024 ↩

133. Forum Réfugiés, Types of accommodation, 11 June 2025 ↩

134. Forum Réfugiés, Types of accommodation, 11 June 2025 ↩

135. GoF, Q&A #1 (3.2.2) [Available on request], 7 July 2025 ↩

136. Forum Réfugiés, Reception conditions (Section A.1 – Criteria and restrictions…), 11 June 2025 ↩

137. EUAA, Information on procedural elements and rights of applicants … (1.4), 17 April 2023 ↩

138. EUAA, Information on procedural elements and rights of applicants … (1.4), 17 April 2023 ↩

139. ECtHR, Resolution CM/ResDH(2024)68 Execution of the judgment…, 10 April 2024 ↩

140. HUDOC, M.K Related documents, 8 December 2022 ↩

141. Forum Réfugiés, Content of International Protection (Section D – Housing), 10 July 2024 ↩

142. Forum Réfugiés, Content of International Protection (Section D – Housing), 10 July 2024 ↩

143. Forum Réfugiés, Refugees in France - Accommodation, no date ↩

144. Retab.fr, The search engine Retab.fr, no date ↩

145. Retab.fr, Structure search, no date ↩

146. Refugies.info, Apply for social housing (HLM), no date ↩

147. Forum Réfugiés, Content of International Protection (Section D – Housing), 10 July 2024 ↩

148. Forum Réfugiés, Reception conditions (A.2 Forms & levels of material reception…), 11 June 2025 ↩

149. Forum Réfugiés, Reception conditions (A.2 Forms & levels of material reception…), 11 June 2025 ↩

150. Service-Public, What is the Asylum Seeker Allowance (AAL)?, 16 May 2024 ↩

151. Service-Public, What is the Asylum Seeker Allowance (AAL)?, 16 May 2024 ↩

152. GoF, Q&A #1 (3.2.2) [Available on request], 7 July 2025 ↩

153. Forum Réfugiés, Reception conditions (A.2 Forms & levels of material reception…), 11 June 2025 ↩

154. Service-Public, What is the Asylum Seeker Allowance (AAL)?, 16 May 2024 ↩

155. Service-Public, What is the Asylum Seeker Allowance (AAL)?, 16 May 2024 ↩

156. UNHCR, Rights and obligations (… of refugees, of beneficiaries of subsidiary protection), no date ↩

157. Refugies.info, Register and request assistance from CAF, no date ↩

158. EUAA, Information on procedural elements and rights of applicants … (1.5), 17 April 2023 ↩

159. Forum Réfugiés, Content of International Protection (Section G – Health care), 10 July 2024 ↩

160. GoF, Q&A #1 (3.4.1) [Available on request], 7 July 2025 ↩

161. Forum Réfugiés, Country report: Health care, last updated 11 June 2025 ↩

162. French Interior Ministry, Access to healthcare - Asylum, 15 March 2021 ↩

163. French Interior Ministry, Access to healthcare - Asylum, 15 March 2021 ↩

164. GoF, Q&A #1 (4.1.1) [Available on request], 7 July 2025 ↩

165. GoF, Q&A #1 (4.1.1) [Available on request], 7 July 2025 ↩

166. Psycom, About us, no date ↩

167. Psycom, Permanence d’accès aux soins de santé (PASS), 4 March 2024 ↩

168. Generis Global, An Overview of the Healthcare System in France: Structure … ,15 November 2024 ↩

169. ECRI, ECRI Report on France(sixth monitoring cycle) (page 25), 21 September 2022 ↩

170. WHO, Can people afford to pay for health care?… protection in France (page 2), 19 April 2024 ↩

171. WHO, Can people afford to pay for health care?… protection in France (page 17), 19 April 2024 ↩

172. European Observatory, France: health system summary 2024 (page 10), 6 December 2024 ↩

173. GoF, List of products and services (BVG), no date ↩

174. Ameli, List of products and services – BVG, no date ↩

175. OECD, State of Health in the EU France Country Health … (page 10), 15 December 2023 ↩

176. Primo Levi Centre, Who are we? no date ↩

177. Primo Levi Centre, Mental Health of Exiles (page 5), June 2024 ↩

178. Primo Levi Centre, Mental Health of Exiles (page 17), June 2024 ↩

179. Primo Levi Centre, Mental Health of Exiles (page 23), June 2024 ↩

180. Primo Levi Centre, Mental Health of Exiles (page 25), June 2024 ↩

181. Forum Réfugiés, Reception conditions (Section D – Health care), 11 June 2025 ↩

182. France Terre d’Asile, Corporate purpose, no date ↩

183. France Terre d’Asile, Mental health of asylum seekers… (pages 8, 12), July 2023 ↩

184. France Terre d’Asile, Mental health of asylum seekers… (page 67), July 2023 ↩

185. GoF, Q&A #1 (5.1.1) [Available on request], 7 July 2025 ↩

186. GoF, Q&A #1 (4.1.1) [Available on request], 7 July 2025 ↩

187. EPSAN, Homepage, no date ↩

188. EPSAN, Permanence d’Accès aux Soins de Santé Spécialisée en Psychiatrie, no date ↩

189. Eurostat, Hospital beds by function and type of care, 11 December 2024 ↩

190. Eurostat, Physicians by category, 11 December 2024 ↩

191. Santé publique, About us, 3 May 2021 ↩

192. Santé publique, Mental health, 6 December 2023 ↩

193. Psycom, Helplines, 8 April 2025 ↩

194. Psycom, Self-help associations, 7 April 2025 ↩

195. Psycom, Resource centres, 25 March 2025 ↩

196. Retab.fr, At the origin of Retab.fr, no date ↩

197. Retab.fr, The search engine Retab.fr, no date ↩

198. Cn2r, Finding a care facility – Regional psychotrauma centers (CRP), no date ↩

199. CRP, Who are we?, 13 January 2025 ↩

200. Cn2r, Who we are, no date ↩

201. Cn2r, Finding a care facility – Regional psychotrauma centers (CRP), no date ↩

202. CRP, Who are we?, 13 January 2025 ↩

203. Cn2r, Finding a care facility – Regional psychotrauma centers (CRP), no date ↩

204. Cn2r, Finding a care facility – Regional psychotrauma centers (CRP), no date ↩

205. Ministry of L,H,S & F, The VigilanS recontact system, 5 February 2024 ↩

206. Ministry of L,H,S & F, What to do and who to turn to in the face of a suicidal crisis?, 6 August 2024 ↩

207. Ministry of L,H,S & F, What to do and who to turn to in the face of a suicidal crisis?, 6 August 2024 ↩

208. UNHCR, Rights and obligations (… of asylum seekers), no date ↩

209. Forum Réfugiés, Reception conditions (Section C.1 – Access to the labour market), 11 June 2025 ↩

210. UNHCR, Rights and obligations (… of refugees, of beneficiaries of subsidiary protection), no date ↩

211. UNHCR France, Commitment of French companies… integration of refugees, June 2023 ↩

212. Forum Réfugiés, Reception conditions (Section C.2 – Access to education), 11 June 2025 ↩

213. Forum Réfugiés, Reception conditions (Section A.4 – Freedom of movement), 11 June 2025 ↩

214. Forum Réfugiés, Content of International Protection (C.1 – Freedom of movement), 10 July 2024 ↩

215. UNHCR, Rights and obligations (… of refugees), no date ↩

216. UNHCR, Rights and obligations (… of refugees, of beneficiaries of subsidiary protection), no date ↩

217. Action Emploi Réfugiés, The service of connecting refugees and employers, no date ↩

218. Action Emploi Réfugiés, What is the SOCLE support programme?, no date ↩

219. Action Emploi Réfugiés, What is the AVEC program? no date ↩

220. Info Migrants, France: An overview of associations that help migrants.), 18 October 2024 ↩

221. Ville de Bordeaux, Association Mana, no date ↩

222. France 3 regions, “Laissez-moi récupérer mes rêves”…, 21 December 2021 ↩

223. Info Migrants, France: An overview of associations that help migrants.), 18 October 2024 ↩

224. Les Champs de Booz, The association, no date ↩

225. Les Champs de Booz, Our actions, no date ↩

226. Info Migrants, France: An overview of associations that help migrants.), 18 October 2024 ↩

227. Comede, Comede in the PACA region (flyer), no date ↩

228. Comede, The Health Centre in Bicêtre, no date ↩

229. Comede, Comede in the PACA region, no date ↩

230. Comede, Comede in the PACA region (flyer), no date ↩

231. Comede, Comede, Loire, no date ↩

232. Comede, Comede, Loire (flyer), no date ↩

233. Comede, Comede, Loire, no date ↩

234. Croix Rouge, Lutter contre toutes les formes d’exclusion, pas à pas, 23 January 2025 ↩

235. Croix Rouge, Lutter contre toutes les formes d’exclusion, pas à pas, 23 January 2025 ↩

236. Forum Réfugiés, Santé mentale, aide aux victimes, no date ↩

237. Forum Réfugiés, ESSOR 63 Care Centre, no date ↩

238. Forum Réfugiés, Essor 69 Health Centre, no date ↩

239. Forum Réfugiés, Essor 69 Health Centre (brochure), no date ↩

240. Forum Réfugiés, Essor 69 Health Centre (brochure), no date ↩

241. Forum Réfugiés, Essor 69 Health Centre (brochure), no date ↩

242. Forum Réfugiés, Essor 69 Health Centre (brochure), no date ↩

243. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum seekers in France - First reception, no date ↩

244. Forum Réfugiés, Welcome, no date ↩

245. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum seekers in France - Accommodation centres, no date ↩

246. Forum Réfugiés, Refugees in France - Accommodation, no date ↩

247. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum seekers in France - Accommodation centres, no date ↩

248. Forum Réfugiés, Asylum seekers in France - OFPRA interview, no date ↩

249. Forum Réfugiés, Welcome, no date ↩

250. Forum Réfugiés, Welcome, no date ↩

251. Forum Réfugiés, Mental health, victim support, no date ↩

252. Forum Réfugiés, Mental health, victim support, no date ↩

253. UNHCR France, Annex 1 UNHCR France, 24 July 2025 ↩

254. Médecins du Monde, Humanitarian Aid Association in Paris, no date ↩

255. Médecins du Monde, Humanitarian Aid Association in Paris, no date ↩

256. Médecins du Monde, Humanitarian Aid Association in Caen, no date ↩

257. Médecins du Monde, Humanitarian Aid Association in Nantes, no date ↩

258. Médecins du Monde, Humanitarian Aid Association in Angoulême, no date ↩

259. Médecins du Monde, Humanitarian Aid Association in Toulouse, no date ↩

260. Osiris, Centre Osiris, no date ↩

261. Osiris, Accompaniments, no date ↩

262. Osiris, Accompaniments, no date ↩

263. Osiris, Accompaniments, no date ↩

264. Parole sans Frontière, Home, no date ↩

265. Parole sans Frontière, Team, no date ↩

266. Primo Levi Centre, Home, no date ↩

267. Primo Levi Centre, Caring, no date ↩

268. Primo Levi Centre, Caring, no date ↩

269. Samusocial de Paris, The Migrants Mission, no date ↩

270. Service-Public, Removal of a foreigner (expulsion, OQTF…), no date ↩

271. Forum Réfugiés, Detention of Asylum Seekers (section B.4 – Duration of detention), 11 June 2025 ↩

272. EUAA, Information on procedural elements and rights of applicants … (3.2), 17 April 2023 ↩

273. Forum Réfugiés, Administrative Detention Annual Report 2024 (page 12), 29 April 2025 ↩

274. Forum Réfugiés, Administrative Detention Annual Report 2024 (page 9), 29 April 2025 ↩

275. Forum Réfugiés, Administrative Detention Annual Report 2024 (page 9), 29 April 2025 ↩

276. OFII, Return and reintegration assistance schemes, no date ↩

277. OFII, Return and reintegration assistance schemes, no date ↩

278. GoF MGE, Identifying and Protecting Victims of Human Trafficking… (IV(A)(7)), 10 July 2022 ↩

279. Service-Public, Obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) (30-day period), 13 November 2024 ↩

280. Service-Public, Obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) (Without delay), 13 November 2024 ↩

281. Service-Public, Obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) (30-day period), 13 November 2024 ↩

282. Service-Public, Obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) (30-day period), 13 November 2024 ↩

283. Service-Public, Expulsion of a foreigner from France, 28 October 2024 ↩

284. USSD, 2024 TiP report (Tier placement), 24 June 2024 ↩

285. GoF, Q&A #2 (1.2) [Available on request], 4 August 2025 ↩

286. USSD, 2024 TiP report: France (France Tier 1), 24 June 2024 ↩

287. USSD, 2024 TiP report (Tier placements List), 24 June 2024 ↩

288. COE, GRETA - Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, no date ↩

289. GRETA, Evaluation Report France, (page 4) 18 February 2022 ↩

290. COE, Monitoring of the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention…., no date ↩

291. COE, Réponse de la France au questionnaire…, 26 February 2025 ↩

292. GoF, ‘National Plan to Fight Exploitation and Human Trafficking… (page 28), December 2023 ↩

293. Ac.Sé, About Ac.Sé, no date ↩

294. GoF, Penal Code (as Amended in 2013), 5 August 2013 ↩

295. Ministry for GE, Identifying and Protecting Victims of Human Trafficking… (I(C)), 10 July 2022 ↩

296. Ministry for GE, Identifying and Protecting Victims of Human Trafficking… (I(C)), 10 July 2022 ↩

297. Ministry for GE, Identifying and Protecting Victims of Human Trafficking… (IV(B)(2)), 10 July 2022 ↩

298. GRETA, Evaluation report France (pages 10), 18 February 2022 ↩

299. GoF, ‘National Plan to Fight Exploitation and Human Trafficking … (page 4), December 2023 ↩

300. GoF, Q&A #2 (1.4) [Available on request], 4 August 2025 ↩

301. Ministry for GE, Identifying and Protecting Victims of Human Trafficking… (Annex 1), 10 July 2022 ↩

302. USSD, 2024 TiP report: France (Protection), 24 June 2024 ↩

303. USSD, 2024 TiP report: France (Protection), 24 June 2024 ↩

304. COE, Réponse de la France au questionnaire… (page 61), 26 February 2025 ↩

305. COE, Réponse de la France au questionnaire… (page 4), 26 February 2025 ↩

306. GRETA, Evaluation report France (pages 9 to 10), 18 February 2022 ↩

307. COE, Réponse de la France au questionnaire…, 26 February 2025 ↩

308. COE, Réponse de la France au questionnaire… (pages 53 to 61), 26 February 2025 ↩

309. COE, Réponse de la France au questionnaire… (pages 59 to 61), 26 February 2025 ↩

310. COE, Réponse de la France au questionnaire… (page 5), 26 February 2025 ↩

311. USSD, 2024 TiP report: France (Protection), 24 June 2024 ↩

312. USSD, 2024 TiP report: France (Protection), 24 June 2024 ↩

313. USSD, 2024 TiP report: France (Prosecution), 24 June 2024 ↩

314. USSD, 2024 TiP report: France (Prosecution), 24 June 2024 ↩

315. GoF MGE, Identifying and Protecting VoT: A Training Guide (I(C)), 10 July 2022 ↩

316. USSD, 2024 TiP report: France (Protection), 24 June 2024 ↩

317. USSD, 2024 TiP report: France (Prosecution), 24 June 2024 ↩

318. GoF, ‘National Plan to Fight Exploitation and Human Trafficking … (page 4), December 2023 ↩

319. GoF, Q&A #2 (1.5) [Available on request], 4 August 2025 ↩

320. GoF, Q&A #2 (1.5) [Available on request], 4 August 2025 ↩

321. GoF Ministry for Gender Equality+…, Factsheet (p23), 7 October 2022 ↩

322. GoF Ministry for Gender Equality+…, Factsheet (p24), 7 October 2022 ↩

323. COE, Réponse de la France au questionnaire… (page 29), 26 February 2025 ↩

324. GoF, Q&A #2 (1.5) [Available on request], 4 August 2025 ↩

325. Légifrance, Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum, n/d ↩

326. Légifrance, How to file a complaint?, 16 October 2024 ↩

327. GoF, Q&A #2 (2.2) [Available on request], 4 August 2025 ↩

328. Légifrance, Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum, n/d ↩

329. GoF Ministry for Gender Equality+…, Factsheet (p25), 7 October 2022 ↩

330. USSD, 2024 TiP report: France (Protection), 24 June 2024 ↩

331. Ac.Sé, About Ac.Sé, no date ↩

332. Ac.Sé, About Ac.Sé, no date ↩

333. USSD, 2024 TiP report: France (Protection), 24 June 2024 ↩

334. USSD, 2024 TiP report: France (Protection), 24 June 2024 ↩

335. COE, Réponse de la France au questionnaire… (page 4), 26 February 2025 ↩

336. GoF Ministry for Gender Equality+…, Factsheet (p22), 7 October 2022 ↩

337. A.R.A.P. Rubis, Prostitution Unit, no date ↩

338. Association Foyer Jorbalan, Welcome, no date ↩

339. Association Foyer Jorbalan, Our missions, no date ↩

340. Association Foyer Jorbalan, Admission procedures, no date ↩

341. Amicale du Nid, Presentation - Amicale du Nid, no date ↩

342. Amicale du Nid, Presentation - Amicale du Nid, no date ↩

343. Aux Captifs, Home, no date ↩

344. Aux Captifs, Our branches, no date ↩

345. Aux Captifs, Fight against trafficking in human beings, no date ↩

346. Aux Captifs, Outreach - Street tours and digital tours, no date ↩

347. Aux Captifs, Reception Centres, no date ↩

348. Aux Captifs, Support and social follow-up, no date ↩

349. Aux Captifs, Exit from prostitution journey, no date ↩

350. Aux Captifs, Prostitution, no date ↩

351. Bus des Femmes, The association, no date ↩

352. Bus des Femmes, Fight against human trafficking, no date ↩

353. ECPAT, Vision, Mission & Values, no date ↩

354. Mouvement du Nid, Who are we?, no date ↩

355. Mouvement du Nid, 2023 Annual Report (page 38), July 2024 ↩

356. CCEM, Our Mission, no date ↩

357. CCEM, Our Mission, no date ↩

358. CCEM, Reception and associative life, no date ↩

359. CCEM, Legal support, no date ↩

360. CCEM, Social and psychological support, no date ↩

361. CCEM, Our activity reports, 2023 Activity Report (page 8), no date ↩

362. OHCHR, The Core International Human Rights Instruments and their monitoring bodies, no date ↩

363. OHCHR, Status of ratification interactive dashboard, no date ↩

364. COE, Statute of the Council of Europe (ETS No. 001), 03 August 1949 ↩

365. COE, Statute of the Council of Europe (ETS No. 001), 03 August 1949 ↩

366. ECtHR, ECHR, 1 August 2021 ↩

367. COE, Treaty list for a specific State (France), 3 April 2025 ↩

368. ECtHR, Press Country Profile: France, January 2025 ↩

369. CNCDH, Presentation, updated 4 December 2024 ↩

370. GANHRI, Status accreditation chart, 31 December 2024 ↩

371. GANHRI, Paris principles, no date ↩

372. GANHRI, Members, no date ↩

373. ECRI, ECRI Report on France (sixth monitoring cycle) (page 7), adopted 28 June 2022 ↩

374. Service-Public, Inspector General of Places of Deprivation of Liberty, no date ↩