While humanitarian approvals have risen, France is simultaneously stepping up enforcement against those without status. The DGEF counted 15,569 forced removals in 2025—21 % more than the previous year—bringing total expulsions (forced plus voluntary) to 24,985. (connexionfrance.com) Police interpellations of irregular migrants climbed roughly 30 %, reflecting targeted operations at informal camps around Paris and Calais as well as more checks on worksites.
For corporates, the tougher stance raises compliance stakes. Construction, logistics and hospitality companies caught employing undocumented workers now face fines of up to €30,000 per person and a temporary ban on hiring foreign labour. Several SMEs in Île-de-France have already been audited, according to industry federation CPME.
![Forced removals from France up 21 % as enforcement accelerates]()
Companies worried about these escalating penalties can turn to VisaHQ for practical assistance. The platform handles everything from visa eligibility checks and document gathering to appointment scheduling and status monitoring, ensuring that assignees hold the correct French permits and that HR keeps accurate records. Find out more at https://www.visahq.com/france/
Mobility managers should ensure that all assignees carry either a residence permit or a digital APS/recépissé and that copies are stored in HR files. Random street checks are legal within 10 km of borders and in public-transport hubs; failure to produce documentation can lead to detention pending verification.
Politically, the numbers will feed into a debate on whether France can both welcome talent and crack down on overstays. The Interior Ministry argues that higher removals show the 2024 immigration law—stricter entry criteria, quicker asylum decisions and expanded detention capacity—is working. NGOs counter that deportations are rising faster than appeal capacity, risking wrongful expulsions.
For corporates, the tougher stance raises compliance stakes. Construction, logistics and hospitality companies caught employing undocumented workers now face fines of up to €30,000 per person and a temporary ban on hiring foreign labour. Several SMEs in Île-de-France have already been audited, according to industry federation CPME.
Companies worried about these escalating penalties can turn to VisaHQ for practical assistance. The platform handles everything from visa eligibility checks and document gathering to appointment scheduling and status monitoring, ensuring that assignees hold the correct French permits and that HR keeps accurate records. Find out more at https://www.visahq.com/france/
Mobility managers should ensure that all assignees carry either a residence permit or a digital APS/recépissé and that copies are stored in HR files. Random street checks are legal within 10 km of borders and in public-transport hubs; failure to produce documentation can lead to detention pending verification.
Politically, the numbers will feed into a debate on whether France can both welcome talent and crack down on overstays. The Interior Ministry argues that higher removals show the 2024 immigration law—stricter entry criteria, quicker asylum decisions and expanded detention capacity—is working. NGOs counter that deportations are rising faster than appeal capacity, risking wrongful expulsions.
