Algeria addresses descendants of New Caledonia deportees, announces special measures
via Algérie3603 min read
The issue of Algerians deported to New Caledonia by colonial France has resurfaced, with their descendants seeking stronger ties to their ancestral land. This renewed attention follows a report by Algerian influencer Mehdi Chettah and recent parliamentary initiatives. Abdelouahab Yagoubi, a diaspora Member of Parliament, submitted a written question to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in March, highlighting the forced deportation of over 2,000 Algerians to New Caledonia, where more than 15,000 of their descendants now reside. Yagoubi criticized the lack of local consular representation, forcing these individuals to rely on services in Paris, located 16,700 kilometers away. He advocated for the recognition of their Algerian identity and requested a concrete plan to address the consular presence. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the Algerian authorities' commitment to the descendants of those deported by French occupation to New Caledonia and other regions. The ministry outlined a three-pronged strategy focusing on human, historical, and institutional aspects, including integrating descendants into national commemorations and inviting them to major events like the Intra-African Trade Fair in September 2025. Regarding consular services, Ahmed Attaf announced that descendants can now access services through the Algerian embassy in Australia, eliminating the need to travel to Paris. The article details the historical context of these deportations, stemming from
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