When the administration blocks, the judge unblocks, sometimes even before ruling.
The facts
Our client, a Moroccan national, applied for a long-stay visa as an employee. It was refused twice: first by the French consulate in Casablanca, then by the Commission de recours contre les refus de visa. Yet the file was complete: employment contract, committed employer, legitimate professional project. No serious ground justified these refusals.
The court action
In February 2024, our firm brought the case before the Administrative Court of Nantes, seeking the annulment of the decision of January 2024 and an injunction to issue the visa.
While the proceedings were under way, the administration suddenly changed its position: on 29 August 2024, the visa was issued.
The court’s decision
Since the request had been satisfied, the court found that there was no longer any need to rule on the merits. It nevertheless recognised that the action had been useful and justified, and ordered the State to pay €500 in legal costs under article L. 761-1 of the Code of Administrative Justice.
What to remember
- A visa refusal, even repeated, is not inevitable.
- Simply bringing the case before the judge can lead the administration to re-examine the file.
- A quick, structured action rebalances the relationship with the administration.
Read also: Employee visa refused despite a work authorisation.
Need help with your case?
FATOU BABOU AVOCAT assists individuals, families and companies with visas, family reunification, residence permits and appeals against refusals, before consulates, prefectures and courts.
- Bordeaux office: 11 rue Galin, 33100 Bordeaux, France – +33 9 85 40 18 64 – contact@legalfb-avocat.fr
- Dakar office: 14 rue Woro Fila, Fann Hock, Dakar, Senegal – +221 77 173 69 05 / +221 33 844 29 16 – contact@fbavocat-sn.com
- Book an appointment online
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules, amounts and deadlines change regularly: always have your own situation checked by a lawyer.