France scraps right to French citizenship by birth in Mayotte

France intends to slow migration from the Comoros Islands by removing the right to French citizenship by birth in its overseas territory Mayotte.

FRENCH OVERSEAS TERRITORY

Last month France’s Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, visited Mayotte to announce changes to citizenship entitlements.

Mayotte is a French territory, situated in the Indian Ocean. It comprises the two southeasternmost islands of the Comoros archipelago.

Darmanin announced proposed amendments to the French constitution – aimed at addressing migration from places including the Comoros islands. 

FRENCH CITIZENSHIP BY BIRTH

Darmanin said that the amendment would end the right to French citizenship through birth (known in French as droit du sol) in its territory, Mayotte.

This type of citizenship entitles anyone born on French soil to become a French citizen – regardless of the citizenship of their parents.

MIGRATION ISSUES

France’s decision to withdraw this right to citizenship was caused by the fact that nationals from the nearby Comoros islands come to Mayotte to give birth there.  

Thus, it is hoped that the amendment will reduce the desirability of Mayotte for potential immigrants. These migrants seek to obtain French nationality for their offspring.

Ultimately, this enables these individuals to remain on the island of Mayotte.

MAYOTTE

As such, France hopes the change in citizenship entitlements will benefit the citizens of Mayotte.

Though Mayotte is considered one of the poorest French territories or departments, nationals from the Comoros are attracted to Mayotte because it offers better living standards than in Comoros.

Moreover, these migration flows have created tensions with locals, who blame migrants for increased crime and overburdened social services.

Daily Maverick states that many locals have become frustrated and disenchanted by the influx of migrants from the Comoros.

Furthermore, it is thought that almost half of Mayotte’s population (350 000) is not native to the island.

Most are nationals of the nearby Comoros islands.