In a revealing Mediapart broadcast dated April 30, 2024, a crucial debate highlights a concerning phenomenon: the voluntary departure of French Muslim citizens to foreign countries. This discussion, enriched by the presence of researchers and a former student leader, offers new insights into this little-known but significant reality.
What Drove 1,000+ French Muslims to Consider Leaving?
Julien Talpin, Research Director at CNRS, and Olivier Estèves, Professor at the University of Lille, present their book “France, You Love It But You Leave It,” the result of comprehensive sociological research. This study, based on over 1,000 questionnaire responses and 139 detailed interviews, reveals a typical profile of expatriates: 54% of respondents hold at least a Master’s degree, and a majority define themselves by strong religious adherence.
How Has France’s Social Climate Pushed Its Citizens Away?
The atmosphere described by the participants is unanimously characterized as suffocating, marked by what researchers term “atmospheric Islamophobia.” Mariam Pougetou, former vice-president of UNEF, describes it as “anxiety-inducing,” citing constant hypervigilance in the most mundane daily activities. This pervasive climate of hostility has intensified significantly since 2015, affecting both born Muslims and converts to Islam.
The study reveals a particularly striking finding: native French converts to Islam are increasingly joining this exodus, facing similar discrimination and social pressures. Their experiences highlight how Islamophobia transcends ethnic and cultural backgrounds, affecting anyone who visibly practices Islam. One notable example from the research involves a French convert working as a midwife who relocated to Salford, near Manchester, after experiencing persistent discrimination in medical school.
Social media, 24-hour news channels, and political discourse have contributed to normalizing anti-Muslim sentiment. The researchers note specific instances where political controversies, such as debates about the hijab in schools or inflammatory comments by political figures, have directly triggered decisions to leave France. This tension manifests particularly in three main areas:
- Professional discrimination and workplace harassment
- The impossibility of practicing faith peacefully in daily life
- Obstacles to career advancement and social integration
The situation has become particularly acute following major events such as terrorist attacks, where innocent Muslim citizens face backlash and increased hostility. As one participant recounted, she was spat on in the street weeks after the 2015 attacks, solely because she wore a hijab – an experience that marked a turning point in her relationship with France.
Why Are Highly Qualified Professionals Being Forced to Leave?
The study highlights significant “economic waste.” Two-thirds of respondents come from modest families and have experienced social mobility, only to find their progress stalled or blocked in France. These individuals, often graduates of business or engineering schools, face a persistent glass ceiling.
What Makes Foreign Countries More Appealing Than France?
The contrast between the situation in France and abroad is striking. Collected testimonies, notably from Perine Benosman, a finance executive in Chicago, illustrate a different reality internationally. In countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada, religious practice is normalized in the workplace, with natural accommodations for Ramadan or prayer times.
Where Are French Muslims Finding New Homes?
The study reveals a diverse pattern of emigration, with French Muslims choosing destinations that align with both their professional aspirations and religious freedom. The Middle East, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has emerged as a prime destination for many professionals, attracted by tax-free salaries, religious acceptance, and rapid career advancement opportunities. These cities’ multicultural environment and modern infrastructure make them particularly appealing to those in finance, technology, and business sectors.
A notable trend is the “return migration” to North African countries, particularly Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, where French-educated professionals can leverage their expertise while maintaining cultural and family connections. These countries offer a blend of familiar cultural elements and professional opportunities, especially in emerging technology hubs and international companies.
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The United States and Canada continue to attract a significant portion of this exodus, particularly to cities like Montreal, Toronto, and major U.S. tech hubs. These destinations are valued for their established policies of religious accommodation in the workplace and multicultural society models. The study notes that many find the North American approach to religious diversity particularly refreshing, with explicit protection of religious rights and workplace accommodations.
An emerging trend is migration to Asian economic powerhouses, particularly China and Malaysia. These destinations attract entrepreneurs and professionals in technology and international trade, offering both economic opportunities and, in Malaysia’s case, a Muslim-friendly environment.
Can French Muslims Still Love a Country They’re Forced to Leave?
Departure doesn’t mean a complete break from France. Expatriates maintain emotional and practical ties with their home country, while acknowledging they feel “more French abroad than in France.” This paradoxical situation reveals a complex post-colonial dimension, particularly present among those of North African descent.
What Does This Exodus Mean for French Democracy?
The authors emphasize that this situation raises questions of democratic justice. A sense of resignation is palpable, particularly in face of the repression of collective action and anti-racist organization forms. The prospect of the 2027 presidential election and the rise of the far-right intensify these concerns.
Is There Hope for Those Who Choose to Stay?
Despite this pessimistic picture, some, like Mariam Pougetou, choose to stay out of activism. She emphasizes the importance of collective struggle and youth engagement in the democratic process, while calling on political parties to take responsibility.
How Has the Current Global Climate Affected This Trend?
The study, completed before October 7, 2023, suggests that recent events have intensified the challenges faced by French Muslims. Interviewees describe increased scrutiny and discrimination, particularly during times of international tension or following terrorist attacks.
What Can France Learn from Countries Successfully Integrating Muslims?
This investigation sheds light on a concerning societal phenomenon that goes beyond religious issues. It represents a genuine democratic and economic challenge for France, illustrating the challenges of integration and social cohesion in the Republic. The solution can only be collective, requiring awareness and concerted action from French society as a whole.
