New Amendments to the Rights of "CDD Temporary Worker" Cardholders in France
New amendments have come into effect in France, granting foreign workers on fixed-term contracts (CDD) the right to retain their residence permits upon involuntary job loss to seek alternative employment, alongside shorter processing times for permit applications.
- Foreign workers holding fixed-term employment contracts (CDD) in France are granted the right to retain their residence permits upon involuntary job loss to search for another job.
- The permitted unemployment period to maintain residency is set at three months, extendable to six months for victims of forced labor and conditions incompatible with human dignity.
- The period restricting a foreign worker from changing employers after obtaining a work residence permit has been reduced from 12 months to just 6 months.
- Prefects are now required to rule on residence permit applications within 90 days instead of 4 months, in alignment with new European directives.
New amendments came into force in France as of October 30, 2026, granting foreign employees holding fixed-term contracts (CDD) the right to retain their residence permits upon involuntary job loss in order to seek other employment, provided that the period of unemployment does not exceed 3 months, and extends to a maximum of 6 months for those proven to have experienced working conditions that violate human dignity or human trafficking.
This French decree aligns with new modifications introduced by regulations applicable to non-Europeans, issued by the bodies of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
This European text aims to establish a common set of rights for workers arriving from non-European countries who are residing legally in an EU member state.
Consequently, based on the amendment, the Prefect must issue a decision within 90 days for most residence permit applications (compared to 4 months previously), and this period may be extended by an additional 30 days if the case is exceptionally complex.
On the other hand, within the same legal circular, several additional changes were introduced, most notably reducing the period during which a foreign national is prohibited from changing employers after obtaining a work-related residence permit; this period is now only 6 months instead of the previous 12 months, while safeguarding the right of residence for those involuntarily deprived of work or due to force majeure, according to the aforementioned conditions.
Under this law, foreign nationals involuntarily deprived of work have the right to retain their residency if they lose their jobs due to force majeure; however, the period of unemployment may not exceed 3 months during the validity period of the residence permit.
The maximum unemployment period is 6 months for foreign workers who were subjected—in their previous jobs—to working conditions involving human trafficking, forced labor, or any other situation incompatible with human dignity.
Exclusive to France News.
Legal reference, link from the official public service website: Service-Public.fr
Source: فرنسا نيوز France News
Comments (0)
You must log in to comment on articles.
Log in Sign upBe the first to comment on this article.