The students in Algiers were hoping to write the TCF, testing their knowledge of the French language, and entitling them to registration at a French university in France. The images, shared on social media, gave a glimpse of the extent of the interest in gaining access to Europe.
Literally thousands were hoping to cross the threshold of the CCF compound. Many of them even spent the night outside to be the first in line.
Also most Algerian students believe that their future is compromised by staying in their country, because the diplomas issued by Algerian universities are worthless. They would rather try their luck by passing the required French language test which would open the doors of French learning to them.
The allure of the EU is attracting more and more young Muslims, especially students, to flee a country that offers no prospect for the future. Youth unemployment is running at around 30 percent in Algeria.
There are more than 25 000 Algerian students who have chosen France to continue their studies. This already very significant figure is likely to multiply in the future.
France is hoping these students will contribute to French interests through several programs like the France Alumni Algeria network.
Ironically, and in spite of France’s detested colonial rule in Algeria from 1830 to 1962, many Algerians chose to immigrate to France from the 1960s to the present.
Meanwhile Algeria plans to grant residency and job permits to illegal African migrants, responding to a shortage of workers in farming and construction. Their numbers are unofficially estimated at 100 000.
The country says it faces a shortfall of workers in other sectors not related to oil and gas production, Reuters reported.
But some say it as a way to further monitor traffic across its southern borders, where Islamist militant groups have been active. African migrants in Algeria are mostly from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
“The goal of most of the migrants is definitely to reach the El Dorado in Europe,” Algerian economist Arslan Chikhaoui told Reuters. “Algeria is still only a transit destination.”
The Algerian government has launched the work permit scheme in response to an anonymous online campaign blaming African migrants for taking jobs and spreading HIV/Aids in Algeria.
Marine Le Pen, who won a fifth of the popular vote in the first round of May’s presidential elections, equates immigration from Algeria with an increased risk of terrorism.