France starts discussing controversial immigration bill

The French Senate started debating a hugely controversial immigration bill that the government says will accelerate the process of deporting foreigners, Report informs referring to EuroNews.

Dozens of protesters gathered outside the French Senate as lawmakers began debating a bill intended to toughen the country's immigration laws.

The government said the measure would strengthen and accelerate the process of deporting foreigners who are regarded as “a serious threat to public order.”

The legislation includes a provision that would give legal status under certain conditions to undocumented individuals working in specific sectors with labour shortages.

However, advocacy organisations have criticised the bill as a threat to the rights of asylum-seekers and other migrants.