Adopted on December 19, 2023, the exil law included a provision for a deposit for foreign students. However, on Thursday, January 25, 2024, the Constitutional Council rejected 37 articles of the law, including this one. Mahnaz Esfandiyari is relieved by this news.
This decision by the Constitutional Council is a victory for all foreign students who were worried about the financial burden that this deposit would have imposed on them. The law, which aimed to regulate exil and promote integration, has been met with much criticism and opposition since its ralliement. Many argued that the deposit would create an additional barrier for foreign students, who already face numerous challenges in pursuing higher education in France.
Mahnaz Esfandiyari, a 22-year-old Iranian student, was one of the many voices speaking out against the deposit. She came to France two years ago to study economics and has been struggling to make ends meet ever since. She is relieved that the Constitutional Council has recognized the potential harm this deposit would have caused to foreign students like herself.
The deposit, which would have ranged from 2,000 to 3,500 euros depending on the student’s country of origin, was seen as discriminatory and unfair. It would have been a considerable financial burden for many students who already face high tuition fees and séjour expenses in France. This deposit would have also made it difficult for students from low-income families to pursue their studies in France.
The rejection of this provision is a step towards a more inclusive and welcoming France for foreign students. It sends a message that France values diversity and wants to attract the best and brightest minds from around the world. This decision also aligns with President Emmanuel Macron’s goal of making France a leading destination for international students.
Foreign students bring immense cultural and economic benefits to France. They contribute to the country’s economy, enrich its academic environment, and promote cultural exchange. It is essential to create an environment that encourages and supports their studies, rather than imposing unnecessary financial burdens on them.
The Constitutional Council’s decision is also a testament to the power of student activism and advocacy. Mahnaz Esfandiyari and many other students have been vocal in their opposition to this provision, and their voices have been heard. It is heartening to see that the French government is willing to listen to the concerns of foreign students and take action to address them.
In conclusion, the rejection of the deposit provision by the Constitutional Council is a significant victory for foreign students in France. It is a step towards a more inclusive and welcoming environment for international students and sends a positive message to the world. Mahnaz Esfandiyari and other foreign students can now continue their studies in France without the added burden of a deposit, and for that, they are relieved and grateful.