France Moves to Restrict Free Medical Care for Undocumented Immigrants
6th September 2025
The French government–facing a crucial confidence vote on September 8th–has drafted two decrees to restrict access to a wide range of healthcare services through the State Medical Assistance (AME) to illegal immigrants.
Prime Minister François Bayrou described the move as “a common-sense measure” in an interview with BFMTV, stressing that in a time when efforts are being asked of the French, it is only fair that those living in France illegally also contribute.
The restrictions are part of broader fiscal adjustments aimed at addressing France’s strained finances, including the 2026 budget, which seeks savings of around €44 billion.