France rewards foreigners helping in fight against coronavirus with fast-tracked citizenship
- Interior Ministry ordered regional officials to prioritise naturalisation requests from foreigners who ‘actively participated in the national effort’
- Foreigners who are eligible can be naturalised after just two years of residency in France, instead of the usual minimum of five years
France is to reward foreign health care workers and other front-line personnel who distinguished themselves in the fight against Covid-19 by fast-tracking citizenship applications for those who want to become French.
Instructions this week from the Interior Ministry ordered regional officials to prioritise naturalisation requests from foreigners who “actively participated in the national effort, with devotion and courage” against the virus that has killed nearly 31,000 in France.
Signed by Marlène Schiappa, the ministry official in charge of citizenship issues, the circular says foreigners who are eligible can be naturalised after just two years of residency in France, instead of the usual minimum of at least five years, because of the “important services” they rendered. It specifically mentioned health care workers.
The circular did not further specify eligibility criteria, or how many people might benefit from the decision.
“The recognition, by France, of those who spared neither their efforts nor courage is essential to salute an exceptional commitment,” Schiappa wrote. “Our country was able to count on their solidarity and generosity in the face of this immense challenge.”
The minister followed up her instructions with a visit on Tuesday to an office that handles naturalisation dossiers.