Teboune ends dream of Algerians living abroad of getting houses in Algeria

Algerian housing minister Abdelmadjid Teboune denied allegations that President Abdelaziz Bouteflika committed to allocate a houses quota for Algerians living abroad. “The government did not give up its housing program for the community living abroad although the procedures are complicated and poses many difficulties in terms of classification, funding and real-estate,” he said.

“Neither me nor the president committed to allocate a share for them. The initiative is still adopted but it poses many problems,” Teboune told Parliament.

He added that a commission of 17 representatives of housing, finance and foreign ministries as well banks was established in 2013. It was in charge of finding an appropriate procedure for Algerians living abroad.

“The commission held a meeting to examine the issue,” he said.

“The number of applicants in France is estimated at 500,000. It is almost equal to the number of the AADL applicants in Algeria,” he added.

He believes that it is very difficult to classify Algerians living abroad and the initiative will come at the right time. “The government is working on its housing program. If it is convened to allocate a quota for Algerian living abroad, payment will be in hard currency.”