Foreign Workers’ Spouses Now Allowed to Work in France
In previous years, international workers or foreign professionals working in France were allowed to bring their spouses. However, they were not allowed to work. Because of the recently passed Immigration and Integration Law in 2006, the country of France now allows family members of the skilled international staff to work.
This proposed policy in 2006 was implemented in 2007. The purpose of allowing family members of the skilled worker to work is another result of employer and company requests. Some French companies would complain that employees will turn down their offers simply because their partners will not be able to work in France. Some concerns involve dual careers as well as spouse or partner employment. Employees being assigned an international assignment will turn the offer down for such reasons.
Because of this, the spouse and family members will now be allowed to work in France. However, the condition is that the skilled worker must fall under the intra-group transfers as well as the workers who fall under the category “Compétences et Talents”, which means Skills and Talents. This category was designed for international professionals who are most likely to participate in the economic development of France as well as its scientific, intellectual, cultural, or humanitarian growth. This action was taken to create an attractive offer for the highly skilled and mobile employees who can greatly contribute to the economy of France.
Note that the family members, including the spouses, falling under the Skills and Talents category, may apply for a Private and Family Life residence permit for a duration of one year. This permit enables the family members to work in the country. The permit can also be renewed.