legal and social conditions for asylum seekers and refugees in ...

Health/Sickness
All foreigners resident in France require a medical certificate from the International Organization
for Migration (IOM). Refugees who have been accommodated in CADAs or CPHs undergo a
compulsory medical check there, whilst others must undergo one at the IOM office, costing FRF
330 [EUR 50.3].
Like French citizens, refugees have access to the national health system. They are also entitled
to the same benefits as nationals on low incomes from the state medical aid service, which
covers all medical expenses.
Citizenship
Refugees may apply for French citizenship under the same conditions as other foreigners legally
residing in France.
Repatriation
No specific repatriation programme has been set up for refugees.
A circular of 14 September 1992 of the Ministry for Social Affairs and Integration lays down
conditions for granting assistance to voluntary repatriation to foreigners, including refugees, when
“their social and personal situation justify the aid for repatriation”. Applications are processed by
the Office for International Migrations (“Office des migrations internationales”), a body under the
Ministry for Social Affairs and Integration. The assistance granted may include a return ticket
(only by plane and covering 40 kg luggage overweight) as well as a pocket money of FRF 1,000
[EUR 152.4] per adult and FRF 300 [EUR 45.7] per child.
A circular of the Ministry of Employment and Solidarity of 4 November 1998 provides for a
specific scheme aimed at facilitating the voluntary return of Malian, Senegalese and Moroccan
nationals who were staying illegally in France and were not able to have their situation
regularised. Under a so-called “contract for reintegration in the country of origin”, these persons
can take part to a three-month vocational training programme, during which they receive a
monthly allowance of FRF 2,000 [EUR 304.9]. Once they have returned into their home country,
they may obtain a “project assistance” from the Office for International Migrations.
In addition, these persons are issued with a multi-entry visa, which enables them, after a
minimum six-month period in their country, to re-enter France for a maximum stay of three
months.
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France