Ten major French and international groups launch an appeal for the integration of refugees



A sign “Welcome to the refugees” this week, in Paris, place de la République. – Michel Euler / AP / SIPA

The leaders of ten large French and international groups are launching an appeal “in favor of the integration of refugees into companies”, in Le Journal du Dimanche.

These bosses and senior managers of companies from various sectors (Accor, Adecco, Barilla, BNP Paribas, Ikea, Ipsos, Keolis, L’Oréal, Michelin, Sodexo) have come together in a collective “Refugees are talents” or “Refugees are talents for our businesses”.

Each year France welcomes 50,000 refugees and as many talents

“Each year, France welcomes 50,000 refugees and as many talents” who “all have skills and expertise sought after by organizations, and above all, a strong desire for integration”, underlines the signatories of this column published in the JDD.

The collective “gives itself the mission of sharing good practices, raising the awareness of employees and promoting the process of integrating statutory refugees”, who “have the right to work”.

“It is the responsibility of all of us to prepare the future of our companies and to surround ourselves with the best talents”, underline the leaders.

A status recognized by the Geneva Convention

Refugee status is recognized under the 1951 Geneva Convention, for people who fear persecution in their countries of origin because of their race, religion, political opinions, etc.

France received some 95,600 asylum applications last year, according to the Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra), the body responsible for granting refugee status.

The main countries of origin of applicants are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Guinea, Turkey and Côte d’Ivoire.



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