France: statistics and research on language, fertility and integration support

2024 immigration statistics

France’s Ministry of the Interior published national immigration statistics for 2024. Several figures are given relating to residence permits: since 2023, the number of first residence permits and the number of renewals issued increased by 1.8% and 2.4% respectively. The increase in the number of first-time permits is mainly due to the rise in the number of humanitarian permits (+13.5%); the increase in the number of renewals is due to the rise in the number of economic permits (+10.5%) and student permits (+5.7%), offset by a fall in the number of family permits (-2.5%).

In addition, the statistics show a drop of 10.5% in the number of Republican Integration Contracts (RICs) signed in 2024 in comparison with 2023. Despite this, the total number (114 443) remains well above the totals recorded in the years between 2016 - 2022.

Fertility rates among migrant women

The Ministry of the Interior also published statistics relating to the fertility of newly arrived migrant women. These show that half of first-time immigrant women granted residence in 2018 were already mothers when they arrived in France. From 2018 - 2022, 1 in every 4 new arrivals became a mother for the first time. Additionally, migrant women who are active in the labour market from the moment they arrive in France are found to have fewer children in subsequent years, while those from countries with very high fertility rates are found to have more children overall.

Use of French in the workplace by migrant newcomers

The Elipa 2 survey recently published by the Ministry of the Interior tracks the integration of immigrants (excluding students) over a 4-year period. These new arrivals are tested on their understanding of French and asked to declare how often they use the language, particularly in the workplace.

4 years after their admission to France, 89% of new arrivals report speaking French most often at work, ahead of English, Chinese and Arabic. Those who mostly speak French in the workplace are also those who use it most in their private lives. Three occupation profiles in which newcomers interact in a foreign language stand out: 1) managers with higher education qualifications in sectors such as real estate, finance and scientific / technical activities; 2) employees and workers in the retail and catering sectors; 3) women employed by private individuals on a part-time basis.

Mapping of associations involved in immigration and integration policy

France’s Cour des Comptes (Court of auditors) published an overview of the social support provided and integration activities organised by non-governmental organisations funded by the state’s Immigration, asylum and integration mission. The report also analyses relevant state guidance, monitoring and control by the State.

Support for isolated migrant women in Paris

France terre d'asile published the findings of an investigation into the situation of exiled, isolated women in Paris, who are often third-country nationals. The report provides an overview of the vulnerabilities and risks encountered by this group and, consequently, needs in terms of reception and support. It also outlines the obstacles these women face in accessing existing services and possible resources for overcoming them, as well as appropriate intervention methods for those seeking to support them.