Foreign Perspectives

Since we’ve applied for the European Residence Permit over two years ago and have yet to receive it, despite there being a legal obligation on the French authorities to provide it within 90 days, Wendy’s proposed that we use the Winter months to call their bluff.

To date, they have been coming out with phrases along the lines of “European law doesn’t apply in France” and “we don’t issue European Residence Permits” and consistently insisting on us providing the documentation required for them to issue a normal residence permit.

Now this causes a few little problems in that we’re not really here all that long and don’t have a number of key items that would be required to actually qualify for a normal residence permit. So for instance, we couldn’t provide proof that we had adequate resources in 2004, and Wendy still can’t provide proof of residence.

Anyway, as we’re usually not too busy over the Winter, Wendy suggested that we play along with them and see what they do when they conclude that she doesn’t qualify for a normal residence permit. As far as we’re aware, they should give her 90 days to leave the country (“or else”) although as we’ve been here over two years already they might reduce that somewhat. At any rate, we’re definitely going to ignore whatever time limit they might place on her stay here so I can’t see how they can avoid issuing a deportation order.

However, this will pose some difficulties for them in that she’s the parent of two European children who are, of course, here quite legally. Under European law, the Human Rights Convention, Rights of the Child, etc., they can’t legally separate a child from its parents, although perhaps they will argue they’re here legally under European law which doesn’t apply in France…. However, one of the children is French and I imagine that even French law would have something to say about deporting the parent of a 2 year old French child.

Since we’ve been here we’ve been approached by three different TV production units about filming us for one reason or another so when the deportation order arrives Wendy’s planning on calling them along with Australian TV, the local papers, etc. so I’m sure it would be “interesting” to see someone turning up and having to openly state for the news that European law didn’t apply in France and, no, they didn’t care about any rights that a 2 year old might have to be with his mother.

Where would they deport her to is also an interesting question. Should it be Turkey? After all, that was the last country which she was in legally, even if it was on holiday. What about the UK? Well, that’s a problem because as soon as she is pushed off the plane, she can quite legally come straight back to France. Australia? Well, it’s anyones’ guess.