Overview

• The French Parliament has definitively adopted legislation tightening the conditions for birthright citizenship in Mayotte, effective April 8, 2025.
• Under the new law, children born in Mayotte will only be eligible for French nationality if both parents have resided legally in France for at least one year, with exceptions for single-parent families.
• The law has faced strong opposition from left-wing parties, who argue it undermines equality and sets a precedent for restricting the right of soil across France.
• La France Insoumise has announced plans to propose a constitutional amendment to protect the principle of birthright citizenship nationwide.
• The legislative change occurs against the backdrop of Mayotte's ongoing socio-economic struggles, worsened by Cyclone Chido and significant migratory pressures.