Dussopt said on Radio J that the proportion of workers from abroad is much higher than the national average, especially in occupations such as kitchen assistant or cleaning.
Stating that the rate of immigrants working in the service sector is 25 percent, Dussopt said, “We have to face the truth. These professions would not exist without them. Some professional sectors would not function without immigration to our country.” he said.
Dussopt said that there are people who have been working in restaurants in Paris for years with a legal employment contract but are not resident, and noted that right-wing parties are firmly opposed to immigration.
“If there is no consensus on [immigrant reform] in a few weeks, we will reconsider whether to present the reform,” Dussopt said. said.
The French Minister evaluated that the boat accident in which many immigrants died in Greece is unlikely to shape the migration debate at the national level.
With the immigration bill expected to be submitted to the National Assembly by the end of 2023, France is preparing to allow non-resident workers to work in key sectors such as accommodation, restaurants, healthcare or construction.