Faith Nyasuguta
Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has issued a strong appeal to young Algerians living abroad without legal status, urging them to return to their homeland under a new regularisation plan designed to help them avoid prosecution and reintegrate into society. The announcement came during a cabinet meeting on in Algiers, where the president instructed government institutions to support the initiative and provide administrative assistance through Algerian diplomatic missions and consulates worldwide.
Speaking at the meeting, Tebboune emphasised that the measure focuses on Algerian youth in “precarious and irregular” situations abroad ,particularly in Europe, who often lack valid residence permits or identification documents and endure difficult living and working conditions. According to official statements, many have been “misled and exploited,” ending up separated from their families, living in poverty, or engaging in degrading labour due to their undocumented status.
Under Algerian law, departing the country without proper documentation is a punishable offence, carrying possible prison sentences and fines. However, the president’s decree seeks to waive legal penalties for those willing to return and pledge not to reoffend, provided they have not been involved in serious criminal activities. The initiative explicitly excludes individuals implicated in violent crimes, drug or arms trafficking, or collaboration with foreign security services to harm Algeria.
While official figures on those likely to benefit from the programme have not been released, data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicate that tens of thousands of young Algerians have made irregular journeys to Europe in recent years. Between 2020 and 2024, approximately 54,000 Algerians arrived in Europe, often using unofficial routes across the Mediterranean Sea, a phenomenon linked to unemployment, lack of opportunities at home, and aspirations for a better life abroad.
The Algerian state has framed the regularisation measure as both a protective and humanitarian policy, distancing it from any forced repatriation programme. Authorities have clarified that the return is voluntary, and that support will be tailored to the individual circumstances of migrants seeking to normalise their status or return home. Algerian consulates abroad will lead the implementation process, assisting with documentation and legal procedures until the returning nationals are back in Algeria.
The announcement has received backing from national youth organisations and civil groups, who described it as a sign of the state’s commitment to its citizens abroad and a means of reinforcing ties with the homeland. Supporters also view the initiative as part of a broader drive to manage irregular migration responsibly while offering vulnerable young people an opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity.
As Algeria navigates ongoing challenges related to migration, employment, and social stability, this latest appeal from the president showcases the government’s aim to address a longstanding issue affecting both families and communities across the country.
RELATED:
