France is changing its migration policy towards Ukrainians: from emergency assistance to long-term integration and administrative difficulties

France is gradually reviewing its approach to Ukrainian citizens who arrived after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Previously, the main task of the state was to ensure rapid reception, emergency accommodation and basic support, which allowed for the most prompt response to the humanitarian crisis. Now the country is moving to a new stage – systemic management of an already formed community, where housing, employment, administrative support and social integration become key.

Dynamics of migration flows and the structure of permits

According to official data, in 2025, France issued 384,230 first residence permits, which is 11% more than the previous year. However, the overall structure of migration has changed. The largest share is made up of permits on educational grounds – about 118 thousand, which indicates the active involvement of students and young people from abroad.

At the same time, humanitarian migration has increased significantly, the number of relevant permits has increased by 65%, reaching 92.6 thousand. Labor migration, on the other hand, has decreased by about 13%, which is explained by economic and regulatory factors, as well as the stabilization of flows from neighboring countries.

About 51.17 thousand people are in France under the temporary protection granted by the EU to Ukrainians. In one month, this figure decreased by 835 people, which analysts explain by partial return to Ukraine or moving to other European countries. This trend reflects a European-wide dynamic: new temporary protection decisions are gradually being reduced as countries adapt the system to existing citizens rather than to new waves of arrivals.

Transformation of administrative procedures

Despite the extension of the EU temporary protection regime until March 2027, Ukrainians are increasingly facing administrative difficulties. The significant burden on prefectures and reception centers creates delays in extending documents. Previously, centers in the Ile-de-France region and Paris were focused on mass reception, rapid registration and placement. Now their role has transformed: the main emphasis is on accompanying those already present, providing advice, referrals to prefectures and resolving bureaucratic issues.

The queues at prefectures have increased significantly, and the length of the wait for registration and consideration of cases depends on the administrative capacity of a particular region. This state of affairs demonstrates the end of the emergency response phase and the transition to a systemic, long-term policy focused on stability and integration.

Changes in priorities for supporting Ukrainians

The transformation of the policy changes the priorities for Ukrainians already in France. While earlier the key tasks were quick housing, temporary assistance and registration, now the issues of long-term stability are coming to the fore:

• ensuring legal status for a long period;

• access to housing that meets social standards;

• employment opportunities and integration into the French economy;

• participation in social life and access to educational and cultural programs.

Analysts emphasize that this is not a reduction in support, but a transition to a different model – from crisis management to systemic integration. This approach allows Ukrainians to plan their lives in the country, provides stability and increases the chances of successful adaptation.

Comparison of past and current policies

Previously, the policy was aimed at:

• emergency admission;

• rapid placement in centers;

• mass registration without an emphasis on long-term integration.

Currently, the policy is focused on:

• long-term support for those already present persons;

• consultations and assistance in resolving administrative procedures;

• preparation of Ukrainians for integration into the labor, educational and social structures of France.

Thus, the state is gradually moving from crisis response to a comprehensive integration strategy that ensures the stability of citizens, promotes their self-sufficiency and minimizes administrative risks for both Ukrainians and French system.