Algeria launches online biometric passport renewal for its diaspora, starting with Paris
via Algérie3602 min read
Algeria has introduced an online biometric passport renewal service for its diaspora, developed jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior. The service was launched on Wednesday under the supervision of Sofiane Chaib, Secretary of State in charge of the National Community Abroad, and Saïd Sayoud, Minister of Interior, Local Authorities, and Transport. This initiative allows Algerian citizens abroad to submit renewal applications through a secure electronic platform, marking a shift from physical procedures. The service is initially available to citizens registered with the Algerian Consulate General in Paris, chosen due to its large Algerian community, serving as a pilot site before a gradual expansion to other consular networks. During the launch ceremony, a live technical demonstration was conducted via videoconference with the Consulate General in Paris, and the first remotely renewed biometric passport was handed to an Algerian community member in France. The digital platform, developed by the Ministry of Interior's digitization service, enables users to create a personal account, submit applications, upload supporting documents, and track their case electronically. This service aligns with Minister Saïd Sayoud's strategic vision for digital transformation, which he described in February 2026 as a "strategic and irreversible national choice," aiming to fully dematerialize biometric documents like identity cards, passports, and driving licenses
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.
Interpol's "Identify Me" campaign has identified Hakima Boukerouis, an Algerian woman whose body was discovered in a barrel in Moselle, France, in 2005. Her case was one of 47 cold cases selected for the campaign, which aims to identify women murdered or who died under suspicious circumstances. Hakima's body, bearing stab wounds, was found by a forest road in Saint-Quirin, near Sarrebourg. Her disappearance was never reported, and she is believed to have died between September and October 2004. The barrel containing her body was seen floating in the Sarre Rouge river in mid-October 2004. After the case was reopened through the "Identify Me" operation and familial DNA analysis, Hakima's identity was confirmed. Her husband, Saïd L., was subsequently arrested as a suspect. Initially released under judicial supervision in September 2025 due to age and health, Saïd L., now 78, confessed on June 9, 2026, to the murder of Hakima Boukerouis and also his son, born in 1970. He had previously claimed to have used a third party to harm Hakima. A niece of the suspect has also been charged with complicity in the murder and placed under judicial supervision.
Former national team midfielder Medhi Lacen has publicly labeled Vladimir Petkovic, the national coach, as a "failing coach" after two years in the position. Lacen expressed frustration, stating he sees no recognizable playing philosophy or game plan for the national team. He emphasized that his criticism is not a reaction to a specific loss but rather a concern about the lack of a coherent tactical approach. Lacen is not alone in his assessment; Islam Slimani, the national team's all-time leading scorer, also previously criticized the coach, citing a lack of clear playing identity and repeated errors in starting lineups. Petkovic is facing increasing pressure, particularly after the team's elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals under controversial circumstances. Despite attempts to refresh the squad, critics like Lacen argue that personnel changes are insufficient without a clear methodology. The growing number of critical voices suggests a demand for clear answers regarding the team's direction on the field after two years under Petkovic's leadership.
Low-cost airline Volotea has introduced its first route between Spain and Algeria, connecting Valencia to Algiers. Flights are now available for booking on the company's website, with the inaugural flight from Algiers to Valencia scheduled for November 28, 2026. Initial one-way fares are advertised from 59 euros, with some tickets available for as low as 25 euros for December 1. However, prices are expected to rise significantly closer to the end-of-year holidays, potentially exceeding 200 or even 300 euros in December. Return flights from Algiers to Valencia also start at 25 euros for select dates in December. This new service follows Volotea's existing routes from France, primarily Marseille, to Algerian airports. Separately, Air Algérie resumed its Valencia-Algiers service on June 14, 2026, offering two weekly flights. This route is part of Air Algérie's expanded network to Spain, which also includes Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante, and Palma de Mallorca. Air Algérie's round-trip tickets for this route start from 57,259 Algerian Dinars, with one-way fares from Algiers starting at 41,770 DA, or 204 euros from Spain.