Will Algerian-French Migration Agreement Include Harkis' Freedom Of Movement In Algeria?

French MPs asserted the need to include the freedom of movement for Harkis and their family members in Algeria and to visit the places where they were born and their relatives who are still residing there, in the framework of the amendments to the Migration Agreement between Algeria and France of 1968.

A written question by the Republican MP, Guy Teissier, dated on November 28, 2017, addressed to the Foreign Minister of Foreign, which copy is available to Echorouk, read that the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, should be aware of the difficulties that were faced by Harkis and their families in moving between France and Algeria. 

“The Algerian authorities refused the entry of Harkis to the country and were prevented from visiting their hometown and relatives”, Guy Teissier, wrote in his question.

The questioner explained that the response of the French Foreign Minister in 2012 to the accountability of the Senate “Sénat” that the issue of the refusal to enter the movement to Algeria by the Algerian authorities was the subject of talks with Algerian officials on a visit between July, 15 and 16, 2012.

French MP Guy Teissier added that the issue was discussed in the context of the negotiations on an additional annex to amend the Migration Agreement between the two countries in 1968 concerning the movement, residence and work of Algerian nationals in France. 

“It is desirable to know the stage of the negotiations on the inclusion of freedom of movement for Harkis in these negotiations to amend the immigration agreement between France and Algeria”.

MP Teissier asked whether the Minister of Europe, Foreign Affairs, Economy and Finance, discussed the issue of freedom of movement of Harkis with the Algerian authorities, in early November, during their visit to Algeria.