French Labor Minister Dussopt: Immigration is a Must for Some Professions

French Labor Minister Olivier Dussopt has stated that accepting immigrants is essential for certain professions in his country. Dussopt said on Radio J that the rate of workers coming from abroad is much higher than the national average, especially in professions such as kitchen help or cleaning. Stating that the rate of immigrants working in the service sector is 25 percent, Dussopt said, "We must face the truth. These professions would not exist without them. Some professional sectors would not function without immigration to our country." Dussopt said that there are people who have been working in restaurants in Paris for years with legal employment contracts but do not have a residence permit, and noted that right-wing parties are strictly opposed to accepting immigrants. Dussopt said, "If an agreement is not reached on (immigration reform) within a few weeks, we will reconsider whether to submit the reform." The French Minister assessed that the boat accident in Greece, in which many immigrants died, is unlikely to shape national immigration discussions. France is preparing to allow workers without a residence permit to work in essential sectors such as accommodation, restaurants, healthcare or construction, with a draft immigration bill expected to be submitted to the National Assembly by the end of 2023.