Lift ban on jobs for foreigners

SEVEN million professional positions such as architect, vet, doctor and lawyer currently closed to foreigners should be opened up, a discrimination watchdog has told the government.

Anti-discrimination body the Halde says there should be equal opportunity and that nationality should no longer be a bar to these professions.

The restrictions – which affect 30% of jobs in the country – also stop non-French or EU people from working in certain public organisations such as EDF or the Bank of France. They even stop foreigners from holding tabac or bar licences.

The Halde says a blind eye has been turned in some cases but these staff find their working conditions are generally less well protected – and less well paid.

This is also the case in hospitals where there has been a shortage of qualified staff but workers are often unsure of their position and is usually blocked from promotion.

Public Affairs Minister Eric Woerth, is looking into the matter, especially regarding other EU nationals. EU law also says foreign workers should have the same rights as French-born staff after five years in the country.

Socialist senator Bariza Khiari says the restrictions are a “legal scandal”. Her plea for changes to the law passed a Senate vote last February and is now being examined by deputies.

French nationality is still demanded of those in the military, police or those sitting on the bench.