As 2022 draws to a close, it’s time to build some the balance sheet with regard to travel and the Algerian diaspora. During this year, the Algerian authorities took important decisions in several areas, including in the travel sector. The members of the Algerian diaspora have, for their part, experienced strong, sometimes painful moments.
From the total opening of the borders to the resumption of air activities, from the assassination of little Lola to the return to normal of consular relations between Algeria and France, here are the main milestones of the year 2022.
Resumption of air and maritime activities, lifting of travel restrictions to Algeria
2022 marked the end of travel restrictions related to COVID-19.
After several months of closure, the air and sea borders were partially reopened in June and October 2021. As a result, passenger transport companies, air and sea, resumed their activities, after a suspension that lasted several month.
In March 2022, the Ministry of Transport announced the partial resumption of operations of the national airline. In particular, according to three phases, which began with the opening of 64 connections on different international slots. For its part, Algérie Ferries has resumed its crossings since October 2021 with a weekly trip from Algiers to Marseille, and another between Oran and Alicante. After so much waiting and impatience, it was not until May 2022 that the national maritime carrier decided to increase the number of its crossings, by starting its summer program.
Moreover, despite the improvement of the health context in the country, the Algerian authorities maintained certain travel restrictions, in particular the obligation of the PCR test, throughout the previous summer season. On October 31, 2022, the Algerian Embassy in Doha officially announced the total lifting of travel restrictions.
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End of the visa crisis to France for Algerians
In 2022, Algeria and France have decided to resume a “normal” consular relationship.
Last year, Paris decided to restrict the issuance of visas for Maghreb countries. In particular, for Tunisia, Morocco, but also for Algeria. And this, to better control illegal immigration. Following this decision, the refusal rate had reached 50% for Algerians.
On a visit to Algeria, the French Minister of the Interior, in this case Gérald Darmanin, announced, on Sunday December 18, 2022, a normalization of visas for Algerians, i.e. a “return to normal consular relations” between the two countries. And this from Monday, December 19th. This normalization takes place in Algeria, after that in Tunisia, on August 2022, and in Morocco, on Friday December 16, 2022.
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Assassination of Lola by Dahbia: return to the affair which moved the Algerian diaspora in France
In France, the case of the murder of little Lola by the Algerian Dahbia B. plunged everyone into amazement.
The case dates back to October 14, 2022. The parents of little Lola, a 12-year-old schoolgirl, reported the disappearance of their child. After viewing the CCTV images, the parents find that the little girl has entered their building in the company of a woman.
Very quickly, the police launched a search. Tape, but also a cutter, were found in the parking lot of the residence. In addition, around 11 p.m., a homeless person called the police to sign the presence of a plastic trunk in the courtyard of the residence. This contained Lola’s body. Indeed, little Lola was found dead by asphyxiation and her body, bearing traces on the neck, back and limbs, was locked in this trunk.
The police quickly arrested several suspects. Among the latter is Dahbia B, a 24-year-old Algerian national. During her custody, the statements of this main suspect oscillate between acknowledgments and disputes of the facts.
The profile of Dahbia, in an irregular situation on French territory, has revived important debates on the question of immigration. Indeed, the far right did not hesitate to cry foul. For their part, the members of the Algerian diaspora received a double shock. The latter had to suffer the shock of what has just happened to the child Lola, but also that of the accusing looks.
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Benzema wins the “Ballon d’Or”, misses the World Cup and retires from international football
The year 2022 saw Karim Benzema crowned France Football’s Ballon d’Or.
Many Algerians have succeeded in distinguishing themselves, during the year 2022, abroad. Among the latter, Karim Benzema who had a dream season. Indeed, between the Champions League and the Spanish club championship, titles for the best scorer and player in Spain, in 2021-2022, the Real Madrid striker has won almost everything.
On October 17, 2022, the Franco-Algerian Karim Benzema is crowned Golden Ball 2022, thus succeeding Lionel Messi. But 2022 will also remain the year of the international retirement of this 35-year-old footballer. Due to his injury, even before the first match for the French team, Benzema had to give up participation in the World Cup in Qatar.
In addition, the day after the defeat of the Blues against Argentina in the World Cup final, Benzema decided to announce his international retirement. Especially via a message on social networks. “I wrote my story and ours is ending,” said the Real Madrid striker.
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