France Revoked Citizenship from 41 People in 2024

France has intensified its efforts to safeguard national security, stripping 41 individuals of French citizenship in 2024, according to data from Les Jours. The majority affected were originally from Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, reflecting a focus on nationals from Maghreb countries.

The measure is applied under Article 25 of the French Civil Code, which allows revocation of nationality for naturalized citizens involved in serious crimes, including terrorism. Schengen.News reports that the policy aligns with France’s ongoing response to domestic security threats following years of terrorist attacks.

Citizenship Revocation Raises Human Rights Concerns

Human rights advocates have voiced concerns about the fairness of revoking nationality, especially when it impacts individuals who have grown up and lived their entire lives in France. The revocation does not apply to those born as French nationals, but targets those who obtained citizenship through naturalization.

According to Observ Algerie, authorities view the measure as an effective tool to counter terrorism and eliminate potential threats. However, critics warn it risks undermining principles of equality and civil rights, framing nationality as conditional rather than permanent.

Stricter Naturalization Rules and Residency Risks

In addition to revocations, France has tightened its citizenship criteria in 2025. New language proficiency requirements introduced earlier this year could affect over 300,000 foreign residents, reports Le Monde. Those failing to meet the new standards may risk losing their residence permits.

Meanwhile, in March 2025, Parliament passed a law limiting birthright citizenship in Mayotte, responding to increasing irregular migration to the French overseas department. Experts warn these changes could further complicate access to French nationality and increase legal vulnerabilities for immigrants.