France set to toughen laws on immigration

France's centre-right government yesterday took the first steps towards legislation toughening conditions for immigrants seeking to join their families in France, a key election pledge of President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The measure, strongly opposed by the left, would require potential immigrants to follow a course of up to two months in their home country to learn French and "the values of the republic".

Immigration Minister Brice Hortefeux presented the measure to the Conseil d'Etat, a senior body that hands down an opinion on proposed legislation which is a preparatory step before bringing a Bill to Parliament.

The conservative daily Le Figaro said the Bill would be one of the first to be debated in the National Assembly once a new Parliament was elected on Sunday. Mr Sarkozy's ruling UMP party is expected to win the election comfortably, meaning the proposals should have an easy passage.

The move follows concern over integrating France's large immigrant community into the rest of French society.

Mr Sarkozy, who campaigned vigorously on the theme of national identity for his election, has repeatedly said immigrants need to respect the values and social customs of France. He seeks to encourage more immigration by highly qualified foreigners.

Mr Hortefeux occupies the post of Minister of Immigration and National Identity, whose creation by Mr Sarkozy stirred controversy, and criticism by rights groups that said it risked fanning xenophobia.