France passes law extending detention of ‘dangerous’ foreign nationals to 210 days

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - The French Parliament has approved a new law extending the maximum administrative detention period for foreign nationals deemed "dangerous" and awaiting deportation from 90 to 210 days.

The bill was passed Wednesday in a final vote in the Senate, the upper house of Parliament, with 228 votes in favor and 108 against, the French broadcaster BFMTV reported.

It had already been approved by the National Assembly, meaning it has now cleared all legislative hurdles.

Previously, foreign nationals in deportation proceedings could be held in administrative detention centers for a maximum of 90 days. The newly adopted law extends this period to 210 days for those considered dangerous, aligning it with the existing limit for individuals convicted of terrorism.

In a statement on X, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau welcomed the adoption of the bill, calling it a “major step forward.”

The measure is part of broader efforts by the French government to tighten immigration controls and increase the efficiency of deportations, especially involving individuals considered a security threat.