Algeria has responded decisively to **France**’s recent move regarding the visa exemption policy for **diplomatic passport holders**. The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on May 19, termed France’s suspension of the exemption as a **”factual suspension”** of the previously established agreement from 2013. Algeria emphasized that it would act based on a **strict application of reciprocity**.
The ministry’s statement highlighted that Algeria had no significant attachment to the **visa exemption agreement** and would draw conclusions from France’s actions. The minister assured that, despite the diplomatic tension, the country remains prepared to respond accordingly.
The agreement in question dates back to 2007 and was extended to **service passport holders** in 2013. Originally initiated by France, this agreement allowed easier travel for diplomats between the two nations.
France will “refer” Algerian diplomats, after the Algerian decision to expel French officials.
On May 14, French Foreign Minister **Jean-Noël Barrot** announced the expulsion of all Algerian diplomats holding **diplomatic passports** who do not possess a valid visa. He labeled Algeria’s earlier decision to expel French officials as **”unjustified and unjustifiable.”** This back-and-forth between the two nations has marked a truly unprecedented **diplomatic crisis**.
An Unprecedented Diplomatic Crisis
This recent diplomatic row began to escalate on May 16 when France commenced its measures against diplomatic passport holders. Any Algerian national without a visa would face **non-admission** upon entry, as stated in a communication from the French national police. The strict enforcement of these measures has left many **Algerian diplomats** in a precarious situation.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry noted that, as of yet, they have not received **any official communication** from France regarding this issue through the appropriate diplomatic channels. The lack of communication has further aggravated tensions. The ministry pointed out that the representative from the French Embassy in **Algiers** has repeatedly claimed ignorance over instructions from the French Foreign Ministry, raising significant concerns about the handling of diplomatic relations.
The last few months have seen a sequence of retaliatory actions between Algeria and France, with both countries dismissing officials. In mid-April, Algeria expelled 12 French consular agents in retaliation for similar actions taken by France against an Algerian consular agent. France’s recalling of their ambassador from **Algiers** only deepened the diplomatic rift. Following Algeria’s latest notification to expel more French officials, France responded with new measures regarding visa policies.
Why are diplomatic relations between France and Algeria so degraded?