Baku Initiative Group: France tightens visa rules for overseas territories

France is tightening visa requirements for foreign nationals seeking to visit its overseas territories, the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) said, alleging that the measures are restricting access to the territories for journalists, researchers and other international visitors.

As BIG told Azerbaijani news agency Report, the territories concerned include Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion, Mayotte, Kanaky (New Caledonia), Maohi Nui (French Polynesia), and Wallis and Futuna.

The territories are outside the Schengen Area and are subject to separate visa arrangements. France’s Foreign Ministry likewise distinguishes visas for its overseas territories from Schengen visas, with separate categories applying to destinations including Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion, Mayotte, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Wallis and Futuna.

BIG said the additional visa procedures limit access for journalists, researchers, human rights defenders and representatives of international organisations, which it argues makes it more difficult to document what it describes as the consequences of French colonial policy.

The group also said the restrictions could hinder tourism, investment, business ties and regional economic integration, arguing that they contribute to the overseas territories’ continued dependence on mainland France.

BIG further alleged that the French government has refused to issue visas to its employees and to people seeking to visit the overseas territories through the organisation.

By Tamilla Hasanova