The National Assembly adopts the Republicans’ draft bill to restrict the right to domicile in Mayotte

On February 6, 2025, the National Assembly adopted a highly debated bill aimed at further restricting birthright citizenship in Mayotte. This proposal, driven by the Republican (LR) party, received broad support from both the National Rally (RN) and members of the presidential majority, securing 162 votes in favor and 93 against.

Stricter Residency Requirements for Parents

Under this new legislation, a child born in Mayotte can only acquire French nationality if both parents have legally resided in France for at least one year. This measure tightens the previous requirement, which since the 2018 asylum-immigration law, mandated that at least one parent must have been legally present in France for a minimum of three months at the time of the child’s birth.

This legislative shift comes in response to growing concerns over demographic pressures and immigration from the neighboring Comoros. As of January 1, 2024, Mayotte’s population was estimated at 321,000, with nearly half being foreign nationals. Authorities report that between one-third and one-half of the population may be living in irregular situations.

A Divisive Debate in Parliament

The bill’s passage sparked heated debates in the National Assembly. Despite recent tensions within the left-wing coalition, the New Popular Front showed strong unity in opposing the proposal. Intense exchanges occurred, particularly between Mahoran MP Estelle Youssouffa (Liot) and members of the leftist party La France Insoumise (LFI), contributing to a charged and chaotic atmosphere during the vote.

While the LR party framed the bill as an “urgent adaptation” to curb illegal immigration, critics questioned its effectiveness. Some experts argue that no impact assessment was conducted following the 2018 reform, raising doubts about the actual benefits of further tightening these measures. Additionally, no comprehensive studies have been carried out to understand the motivations behind irregular migration to Mayotte.

Next Steps: Senate Review and Government Plans

The bill now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to receive significant support. Meanwhile, the government plans to introduce a broader immigration bill focused on Mayotte in the spring, addressing issues such as fraudulent paternity certificates.