Edouard Philippe Vows Tougher Immigration Measures for Mayotte

Former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has pledged to introduce sweeping restrictions on immigration to Mayotte if he is elected president in next year's French presidential election.

Speaking during a visit to the French overseas territory on Friday, Philippe, who leads the centre-right Horizons party, said his proposed policies would aim to reduce what he described as the factors driving irregular migration to the island.

Philippe proposed suspending asylum applications made in Mayotte for the duration of a potential five-year presidential term, alongside restrictions on family reunification and other routes that allow foreigners to seek entry into the territory.

“We need to take back control by shutting off all the valves that can fuel immigration to the territory of Mayotte,” Philippe said.

Migration at Centre of Mayotte Tensions

Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean near the Comoros archipelago, has become a major destination for migrants from neighbouring islands and other parts of Africa seeking improved economic opportunities.

Immigration has been a longstanding source of political and social tensions on the island. In 2018, a general strike brought Mayotte to a standstill amid demands for stronger measures to address migration and security concerns.

French authorities have also previously launched major operations targeting irregular migration.

Wuambushu Operation

In 2024, France launched the controversial Wuambushu operation, targeting undocumented migrants, many of them from the nearby Comoros islands. Paris deployed around 1,800 security personnel as part of efforts to address irregular migration, security and living conditions.

Philippe argued that stronger measures were necessary to prevent further instability and warned that continued pressure could contribute to increasingly serious episodes of violence.

“We need to face reality and accept that we have to take measures that will put an end to this pull factor,” he said.

His proposals are likely to intensify the political debate surrounding migration policy in Mayotte and across France ahead of the presidential election.

Mayotte's Political Status

Mayotte has a complex political history. The territory rejected independence in 1974 and subsequently became a French overseas department and regional territory in 2011, following a 2009 referendum.

Its geographical position and political status have made migration a particularly sensitive issue, with residents and political leaders repeatedly calling for stronger controls while critics have raised concerns about the humanitarian consequences of restrictive immigration policies.

Philippe's proposals place Mayotte at the centre of his broader political platform as he seeks to position himself ahead of France's next presidential election.