Why was I asked to sign a form about French values?
Key points include respect for personal freedom and equality between men and women
This document is not the same as the more complex Contrat d’intégration républicaine (CIR) that some foreigners must sign, which involves a visit to the Ofii immigration offices.
The 2024 immigration law states that “no residency document can be given to a foreigner who refuses to take out a [principles] contract or whose behaviour shows that he or she has not respected its obligations”. Not respecting such a contract can also be grounds for not renewing a document, the law adds.
There are minor exceptions where residency rights are based on an international treaty and not domestic French law. Enforcing such a rule on WA card applicants or holders would clash with article 13 of the WA, which says “the host state may not impose any limitations for obtaining, retaining or losing residence rights… other than those provided for in this [agreement]”.
The Interior Ministry states: “Signing this is optional [for WA beneficiaries], due to the particular dispositions which govern your residency rights, but it is a testimony to your wish to show that you, personally, wish to show that your own journey involves an attachment to the Republic’s principles and a respect for them”.
Submitting the contract may be seen as a sign of good integration and a plus point for those later seeking citizenship.
Key points include respect for: personal freedom, including people’s private lives, privacy and their freedom to choose life partners; freedom of belief and conscience, including not forcing anyone to adhere to your beliefs and opinions; equality between men and women, avoiding sexism and treating male and female state officials with the same courtesy; human dignity, avoiding harm to others’ physical or mental health; symbols of the Republic, such as the motto ‘Liberty, Equality, Fraternity’, the Marseillaise and the Tricolore; French territory, not disputing the defined borders or the government’s sovereignty; the authority of public officials and not calling this into question due to personal beliefs.