Event Summary
On 11 January 2026, during a Council of Ministers meeting, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced a measure to “regularise” the status of young Algerians living abroad in precarious or irregular administrative situations. According to the official statement, these young people had been “misled” and “exploited” against Algeria, and had only committed minor offences. The decision provides for their regularisation via consulates, on condition that they undertake not to reoffend, while excluding those prosecuted for serious crimes or considered to have collaborated with foreign services.
Although this announcement is presented as a humanitarian measure, it is part of a security-focused and stigmatising discourse that equates exile and political protest with hostile manipulation. It introduces a conditional approach to rights, making consular protection and regularisation contingent on a commitment to political loyalty, which raises major concerns in terms of fundamental freedoms, equality before the law and non-discrimination.