Opposition deputies Laurent Jacobelli (National Rally) and Éric Ciotti (UDR) have deposited a flurry of amendments in the Assemblée Nationale that would abolish the proposed automatic renewal of four-year and ten-year residence permits. Instead, every renewal would require a “complete and thorough review” of the applicant’s integration, resources and absence record, with stricter penalties—including €3 750 fines and five-year entry bans—for overstaying.
The amendments respond to a Socialist bill that sought to streamline renewals by removing annual prefecture appointments. Conservative MPs argue that such simplification would create a “pull factor” and weaken France’s ability to expel foreigners convicted of offences.
![MPs table amendments to end automatic renewal of long-term residence cards]()
If adopted, the text would tighten travel flexibility for expatriates: any absence from France longer than 30 days in a 12-month period could jeopardise renewal. Employers using the Talent-Passport and EU Blue Card routes fear that short-term project assignments outside France could now count against their staff.
A first reading is scheduled for 12 December. Corporate mobility managers should monitor the debate and prepare to document business-travel absences when supporting renewals in 2026.
The amendments respond to a Socialist bill that sought to streamline renewals by removing annual prefecture appointments. Conservative MPs argue that such simplification would create a “pull factor” and weaken France’s ability to expel foreigners convicted of offences.
If adopted, the text would tighten travel flexibility for expatriates: any absence from France longer than 30 days in a 12-month period could jeopardise renewal. Employers using the Talent-Passport and EU Blue Card routes fear that short-term project assignments outside France could now count against their staff.
A first reading is scheduled for 12 December. Corporate mobility managers should monitor the debate and prepare to document business-travel absences when supporting renewals in 2026.
