French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has announced in a letter, that from 1 January 2024, France will no longer accept new imams trained and sent by other countries in a bid to reduce “foreign influence” on Islam in France.

The announcement follows President Emmanuel Macron’s 2020 decision to end the presence of around 300 imams sent by countries such as Algeria, Turkey, and Morocco, and promote the training of imams within France. Macron said the move was designed to combat “foreign influences” on Islam in France, including “Islamist separatism”.

In a letter sent to concerned countries, Darmamin emphasized that after April 1, 2024, imams already in France under this status will no longer be able to maintain their presence.

Existing imams will be required to transition to a different status, and a unique framework will be established from April 1, 2024, allowing religious associations to independently recruit and directly employ imams.

The letter said that the objective is to have these imams receive at least partial training within France.

BFMTV reported that the decision does not impact the presence of foreign imams during Ramadan.

The measure aims to ensure that no imam is paid by a foreign state, of which he is a civil servant or public official.

The announcement by Darmamin has sparked controversy and criticism. Critics argued that the decision to halt the appointment of foreign imams perpetuates a perception of Islamophobia, especially in light of France’s history of controversial policies, such as the ban on wearing hijab in public spaces.

The country has faced scrutiny in recent years for its restrictive measures targeting aspects of Islamic practice.

Source: Morocco World News