Imagine yourself in 2024, living your life peacefully in France, when suddenly, you are hit with an obligation to leave French territory (OQTF). Don’t panic, this isn’t a Netflix series, it’s the real-life story of Diallo*, a Senegalese temporary worker in Eure-et-Loir, who almost saw his life turned upside down due to a paperwork issue. Fortunately, his exemplary integration and his support network helped him turn the situation around.
Read: Ordered by an OQTF to leave France, Valéry takes her fate into her own hands
A journey full of obstacles but full of determination
Diallo arrived in France in September 2015 with a student visa in hand, ready to conquer the Hexagon. He pursued his studies, landed a job in a management consulting firm, and even took on a temporary job for the City of Dreux. As a bonus, he got involved in local associations. In short, the guy was well-integrated! However, in September 2022, he applied for an exceptional admission to stay on the grounds of private and family life.
Good to know: what is a temporary worker?
There is no legal definition of a temporary worker. It is case law that has clarified this concept. Thus, a temporary worker is an agent recruited to perform a specific, occasional task limited to the execution of determined acts and paid per task.
Read: Being African in France, a source of multiple pressures
15 December 2023: the cold shower
Just when he thought he was safe for a while, boom! On 15 December 2023, the prefect of Eure-et-Loir said no, and worse, ordered him to leave France. The nightmare began. Diallo was required to report regularly to the police station, his passport was held, and he was even placed under house arrest. Needless to say, he wasn’t living his best days…
Good to know: what is an OQTF?
An Obligation to Leave French Territory (OQTF) is an administrative decision that requires a foreigner to leave France within a timeframe set by the authorities. If the person does not comply with this obligation, they risk forced expulsion and a ban on returning to France for several years.
21 March 2024: the movie-worthy plot twist
But Diallo didn’t let himself be defeated. He appealed to the administrative court of Orléans, and there, a big plot twist! On 21 March 2024, the judges overturned the prefect’s decision and granted him a temporary residence and work permit. The magistrates highlighted his professional integration and his strong ties with France. Diallo could finally breathe: he could stay in France and continue his life here. Victory!
Learn more: Ce vacataire sénégalais en Eure-et-Loir est sauvé de l'expulsion par ses liens forts avec la France
Three lessons to learn from Diallo’s story for foreign students
Diallo’s story is rich in lessons, especially for foreign students who want to integrate and successfully navigate their new life in France. Here are three key lessons to remember:
1. Actively integrate into the local community
- Don’t stay in your corner! Like Diallo, participate in local activities and get involved in associations. This allows you to forge strong ties with the community and show that you are part of the landscape. That’s exactly what Diallo did by working for the City of Dreux and getting involved in associations. These connections provided him with massive support when things got complicated.
Read: Student, succeed in your integration (7/7): Integration is impossible!
2. Maintain a stable legal and professional situation
- The French administration is meticulous, so always keep your paperwork up to date! If you work, make sure everything is in order. Diallo worked in a consulting firm, which worked in his favour. Enriching your CV by developing your professional skills is also a way to demonstrate your added value to French society. That’s what Diallo did, and it weighed in the balance.
3. Do not hesitate to appeal to justice
- If you ever find yourself in a tricky situation, like Diallo with his OQTF, don’t let it go. Assert your rights! Diallo challenged the prefect’s decision and, thanks to his lawyer and the administrative court, he won his legal battle. Seeking legal help is essential, so don’t miss a chance to defend yourself.
Read: Change of status for foreign students
What do you think? Do these lessons seem useful for your own situation?