France Orders Systematic Expulsion of Foreign Prisoners to Address Overcrowding

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin's directive seeks to transfer foreign inmates to their home countries and streamline administrative processes.

France's prison system is operating at 130% capacity, with over 82,000 inmates in facilities designed for 62,000, including more than 19,000 foreign prisoners.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin's circular instructs prosecutors and prison directors to identify foreign prisoners eligible for expulsion and facilitate their removal.
The policy emphasizes international cooperation, including renegotiating agreements with non-European countries and leveraging EU frameworks for prisoner transfers without detainee consent.
Measures include prohibiting residence permit renewals for incarcerated foreigners and encouraging early release tied to expulsion for eligible inmates.
A dedicated mission within the Ministry of Justice will oversee implementation, with discussions ongoing to secure agreements with partner countries.