Former French Colonies

[davidhand]

It is my understanding that the former French colonies (e.g. Tahiti and their Caribean islands) are actually now considered part of France. Does this mean that anyone with a European passport can now go and live there, i.e. are they part of the E.U.?
Just curious.

 

[Sybarite]

You have to distinguish two categories : DOM (départements outre-mer) namely La Guyane, La Guadaloupe, La Martinique and Ile de la Réunion. As 'départements' they are considered an integral part of France and the same rules apply there about freedom of movement and work.

The second : TOM (territoire outre-mer) and overseas 'collectivités' namely French Polynesia; New Caledonia; Terres Australes et Antartiques; Wallis and Fortuna, Saint Pierre de Miquélon and Mayotte - do not have freedom of movement but apparently it is much easier for somebody from the EU to obtain residency permits than for those from elsewhere. The combined population of 500 000 are nevetheless considered to be members of the EU.

Hope this covers your query.

John

 

[davidhand]

Very helpfull, thanks very much.