Summary:

On 23 April 2026, France resumed limited deportations of Algerian nationals after Algeria restarted issuing consular laissez-passers, ending nearly a year of operational blockage in migration cooperation.  

The shift follows a visit by Interior Minister Laurent Nunez to Algiers in February 2026 aimed at restoring dialogue after tensions linked to migration disputes and broader political disagreements between the two countries persisted through 2025. 

Since then, Algerian authorities have issued several dozen laissez-passers, enabling the execution of deportation orders, including the removal of seven Algerians considered dangerous on a single day. French officials describe the resumption as gradual and limited, noting that cooperation remains sensitive amid unresolved diplomatic frictions. 

Outlook: 

The partial resumption of deportations is likely to continue at a controlled pace in the near term, as both France and Algeria maintain a cautious approach that avoids reigniting diplomatic tensions.  

While operational cooperation on migration may gradually expand, it will likely remain selective and focused on priority cases, particularly individuals deemed a security risk. Persistent political disagreements and unresolved bilateral disputes are expected to limit the depth and sustainability of this normalization process.  

Any public escalation or controversial policy move on either side could quickly disrupt the current fragile progress and lead to renewed restrictions on consular cooperation. 

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