Undocumented construction workers who participated in a strike at the Adidas Arena in Paris, a venue for the 2024 Summer Olympics, were promised residency permits and health insurance in exchange for ending their protest. However, over a year later, these promises have largely gone unkept. Only one of the fourteen workers has received an appointment at the Paris prefecture for processing their paperwork.
The workers and their union, CNT-SO, accuse the French authorities of retaliating against the strike by delaying or blocking the processing of their applications. They suspect this is a form of punishment for highlighting the poor working conditions faced by undocumented workers in the lead-up to the Olympics.
Despite providing all the necessary documents, including payslips, the workers' applications have been stalled, with some facing job loss and relying on charities for support.
The situation is viewed within the context of France's increasingly restrictive immigration policies. A new immigration law passed in December 2023 has made it more difficult for unemployed expatriates to receive social benefits, reflecting a broader trend of tightening regulations and reduced regularization of undocumented workers.
The lack of response from government officials underscores the systemic issues faced by undocumented workers in France, highlighting the exploitation and disregard for their rights, especially in the context of major international events like the Olympics.