French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced a series of measures on July 22, 2025, to tighten travel restrictions for high-ranking Algerian officials and dignitaries, following Algeria's refusal to accept the return of 120 nationals with proper documentation.

Retailleau criticized the Algerian regime for attempting to humiliate France through derogatory remarks and emphasized that the new measures mark a shift towards holding Algeria accountable for its actions.

The Algerian military regime is perceived as weakened, struggling to respond to France's diplomatic moves, with President Tebboune lacking both internal legitimacy and international influence.

Europe increasingly views Algeria as a source of instability, associating it with money laundering and terrorism support, which has led to more cautious diplomatic relations.

France is demanding the release of writer Boualem Sansal and journalist Christophe Gleizes, asserting that there is a power struggle with Algeria, and France is in a strong negotiating position.

France's new approach signifies an end to the era of impunity for Algerian elites, targeting their financial interests and prestige to send a clear message about accountability.

French officials have called for a shift away from previous diplomatic tactics of goodwill, criticizing the ineffective 'diplomacy of good feelings' and emphasizing a more assertive tone.

Approximately 120 individuals with valid documents for return to Algeria have been refused entry by Algerian authorities, despite France's efforts to facilitate their repatriation.

Since March 2025, France has deported 53 Algerians, including four in recent days, as tensions escalate and calls for tougher measures grow.

France is demanding that Algeria take back undocumented nationals, especially those flagged for radicalization or criminal activities, and criticizes Algeria for issuing passports to undocumented migrants.

Currently, around forty Algerian officials, including political, economic, and military leaders, are affected by travel and residency restrictions, with the potential for this number to double.

French officials, including Retailleau, have indicated that these measures are only the beginning, with potential revisions to the 1968 France-Algeria agreements on immigration under consideration.