Edit: Ahmed Al-Kumy

Today, the Special Envoy to the Maghreb countries of the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ammar Blaney, expressed regret at France's decision to tighten the conditions for granting visas to Algerian nationals, calling it "inconsistent" and "inappropriate."

In his remarks, Plani said to one of the Algerian agencies: "We have recorded this inconsistent decision and regret this.

"The resolution is not appropriate in form because it comes on the eve of the movement of an Algerian delegation to France with a view to assessing all outstanding cases and identifying the most appropriate practical ways to enhance cooperation in the conduct of illegal migration."

The French Government had decided to tighten visa requirements for nationals of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, on the pretext that the three countries "refused to grant the consular laissez-passer necessary for the return of migrants deported from France."