Lebanese Nationals in France Seek Visa Extensions Amid Ongoing Conflict.
Lebanese citizens in France are calling for the extension of their tourist visas, which have expired, due to the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon. Many feel unsafe returning home amid the ongoing conflict, particularly since the escalation of violence between Israel and Hezbollah in September, according to Schengen.News.
Since this escalation, a significant number of Lebanese nationals have traveled to France. However, many now find themselves in an irregular status as their tourist visas have expired.
Gisèle Daccache, a 70-year-old Lebanese citizen, has been in France for two weeks with an expired visa, which lapsed on October 15. She is still waiting for French authorities to approve her request for an extension. As no decision has been made, she currently resides in France without legal documentation.
“I can’t remain without papers, especially since I don’t have a document saying that I am allowed to stay,” Daccache stated. She and her son have tried various avenues to regularize her status but have been redirected from one authority to another without success.
Other Lebanese nationals in similar situations are also urging the authorities to address their visa issues. One 76-year-old woman, visiting her daughter in France, is in the same predicament. Although her visa has expired, she remains in France due to the unstable conditions back home. Her daughter reported that despite numerous emails and calls to relevant authorities, they have received no resolution.
The Lebanese Embassy in Paris has received over 350 requests from nationals seeking to extend their stay in France. According to the French Ministry of Interior, more than 104,000 visas and 30,000 residence permits were issued to Lebanese nationals by the end of 2023. While not all holders of these visas are currently in France, a significant number likely entered the country on tourist visas.
The Lebanese Embassy is working with the French Ministry of Interior to help those whose visas have expired remain in France legally.
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