Senator makes new easier visa pledge for second-home owners in France
Amendment easing second-home owner visitation rules was removed from this year's immigration bill by Constitutional Council
Senator Martine Berthet is known for her support for Britons with second homes in France
Photo: Shutterstock / TalvaPhoto
A Senator who tried last year to simplify visa applications for British owners of second homes in France has reaffirmed her wish to bring the topic back as soon as possible.
Martine Berthet (Senator for the right-wing Les Républicains in Savoie) told The Connexion: “I hope a bill related to immigration and integration can once again be brought forward by the new government.
“In that case, I will be sure to submit my amendment again.”
It was among articles removed by the constitutional watchdog from this year’s immigration law due to it being insufficiently linked to the bill’s original intentions.
Read more: Why France's second-home visa plan was thrown out at last stage
Commentators have suggested the appointment of Michel Barnier, from Ms Berthet’s right-wing Les Républicains party, might bring a renewed focus on immigration and borders.
Read more: Immigration and mental health: New French PM outlines his priorities
British second-home owners, most of whom bought as EU citizens before Brexit, are now subject to complex applications for a ‘temporary’ long-stay visa to stay for more than 90 days.
In response to a letter from Ms Berthet asking for simplifications, then-Interior Minister Gérald Darminin insisted the current system is working well.
He said Britons were waiting an average 3.5 days for an appointment at the offices of the contractor TLSContact and processing by consular staff was taking an average eight days.
He said it is possible this will be improved in future by uploading supporting documents, but fingerprints will still have to be collected.
Read more: What happens at an in-person appointment for a French visa?
