France Considers Ending Visa Exemption for Algerian Officials Amid Diplomatic Tensions

The proposal follows escalating disputes over expulsions, arrests, and longstanding agreements between the two nations.

French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has called for the termination of a 2013 agreement allowing Algerian officials with diplomatic passports to enter France without visas.
The move is described as a targeted retaliation against Algeria's leadership, following recent disputes, including Algeria's refusal to accept the deportation of an Algerian influencer, 'Doualemn.'
Relations between France and Algeria have worsened in recent months, with tensions fueled by issues like the detention of writer Boualem Sansal in Algeria and disagreements over Western Sahara policy.
Algeria has rejected French accusations of seeking to 'humiliate' France, labeling them as disinformation and citing the need for fair judicial processes in cases involving its citizens.
French officials are also reevaluating other agreements, such as the 1968 immigration accord, and considering measures like visa restrictions and reductions in development aid.