The French National Assembly has voted to tighten birthright citizenship laws in Mayotte, aiming to curb illegal immigration in the overseas territory.
The new measure stipulated that children born in the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte would only be eligible for French nationality if both parents — not just one — were legally residing in France at the time of birth and had been for at least three years previously, up from the current three-month requirement.
Late on February 6, the bill pushed by the Conservative Les Républicains (LR) party passed with 162 votes in favour and 93 against, despite strong opposition from left-wing parties.
Mayotte MP Estelle Youssouffa backed the legislation, sharply criticising the Left for what she described as neglecting the island’s identity.
“You continue to fiercely defend the rights of foreigners on an island where half the population is foreign,” she said.
“Your goal is simply to let us disappear from our own land.”
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin welcomed the decision, calling it “a major step forward in the fight against irregular immigration, which deeply destabilises this magnificent French archipelago”.
The debate also extended to the broader issue of birthright citizenship in mainland France.
National Rally (RN) de facto leader Marine Le Pen challenged the current birthright citizenship system of France, arguing that it should be repealed through ordinary legislation.
“With a simple law, we could — and should — abolish birthright citizenship in Mayotte and across the entire country to put an end to this incentive for illegal immigration,” she declared.
Following the vote, Darmanin signalled openness to further discussions on the issue, advocating for a national debate on birthright citizenship.
“I believe the French people should have the opportunity to decide on this matter—either during the 2027 presidential election or through a referendum initiated by the President,” he stated.
The adoption of the bill came in the aftermath of cyclone Chido, which devastated Mayotte and reignited discussions on immigration in the territory.
On January 5, the Minister of Interior Bruno Retailleau and Overseas Region Minister Manuel Valls argued that the pressure illegal immigration places on the island exacerbated the consequences of the cyclone.
France’s centrist Prime Minister François Bayrou has spoken of what he said was growing unease among citizens about the influx of migrants to the country. https://t.co/orqDcBme9Y
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) January 28, 2025
