The last provisions of the law of 10 September 2018 on residence and integration entered into force on 1 March 2019. Six orders, a circular and three decrees have been issued to date concerning the application of these provisions.
The French government published an order which determines the right of UK nationals continuing to stay in France after the Brexit date of 29 March 2019, in the most probable event of no exit agreement being reached between the UK and the EU. Such UK nationals will be allowed three to twelve months to acquire permanent residency if they have been in France for 5 years or more on 30 March 2019, or acquire the appropriate permit to stay, if they have been in France on such day for less than 5 years.
This Decree simplifies the formalities related to the validation of the long stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) following the arrival in France of a foreign citizen by setting up a paperless visa validation process. This formality will be applicable to the validation of all VLS-TS, but does not replace the medical appointment and the signature of the Republican Integration Contract which are required in some cases.
This client alert recalls the EU Directive of 28 June 2018 on the posting of foreign workers, the law of 5 September 2018 “for the freedom to choose one’s professional future”, and the law of September 10, 2018, “for a controlled immigration, an effective right of asylum and a successful integration”, and concentrates on the measures impacting professional immigration.
The Bill for a controlled immigration and an effective right of asylum was adopted on 1st August 2018 by the National Assembly. The decrees of application have not been published to date. Only the measures impacting professional immigration are presented here.
On 3 August 2018 a writ was filed for the constitutionality of the law be confirmed by the Conseil Constitutionnel. The Court has one month to render its judgment. The law should therefore be enacted by mid September at the latest.
Provisions on professional immigration have not been significantly amended. The reforms introduced by law and described in our newsletter of March 1, 2018 are unchanged.