Control on Algerians after returning from holidays in France, a universal measure, French FM says

Control on Algerians who return from France after the end of their holidays, as part of the French policy of issuing visas, proceeding from an “ancient and universal practice”, said Tuesday the French Foreign Ministry, after criticism of Algiers.

“The control on Algerians who return to their country after holidays in France is not a discriminatory measure against them. This is an ancient and universal practice that promotes respect of the validity of the visa for a holder”, the spokesman of the ministry Barnard Valero added during a press briefing.

“This is a measure for few people compared to the number of visas. Each year, the Consulate of France in Algiers issued 100.000 visas and control of backpackers covers only 4.2% of the total”, he confirmed.

Algiers believes that the French measures “affect the integrity of the Algerian passport, and the dignity of the Algerian citizens”, in the words of a statement of the Algerian FM, quoted by APS Monday.