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IN BRIEF
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Hager Stemmelin, a 58-year-old woman from Nice, finds herself in a particularly delicate situation after choosing to spend her vacation in Tunisia, her home country. While her husband was able to return to the Côte d’Azur without issue, Hager is facing major administrative complications related to her residence permit. This experience, which has now stretched into two months, has become a true nightmare for her, leaving her stuck on the other side of the Mediterranean.
A vacation dream turned into a trap #
Hager’s misadventure began when she and her husband decided to go on vacation in Tunisia during the summer. For this mother, it was an opportunity to reconnect with her roots and enjoy the Mediterranean sun. Unfortunately, this trip, which should have been synonymous with relaxation and pleasure, quickly took an unexpected turn when an administrative problem arose.
Source of the administrative deadlock #
To understand the situation, it is important to go back to 2019, the year when Hager became a victim of theft of her bag in France, which contained all her documents, including her residence permit. She quickly managed to obtain a duplicate of her card, valid for ten years. However, a detail often overlooked darkens this success: the duplicate was, in reality, just a simple copy of the old card, which was set to expire in July 2024. Consequently, her residency rights had not been extended.
Fruitless efforts for a return #
Upon arriving in Tunisia, Hager quickly became aware of the urgency of the situation. Informed about the complications regarding her return arrangements, she then undertook multiple démarches with French authorities. However, her desire to quickly regularize her status hit a wall of insurmountable bureaucratic obstacles.
Despite sustained efforts, Hager noted that her return visa had still not been issued. The only responses she received were punctuated by additional requests, including the renewal of her passport, adding an extra layer of complexity to her already severe deadlock.
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A situation experienced as torture #
For Hager, this period of detention in Tunisia feels like an emotional torture. Isolated far from her family and her daily life in Nice, she describes her experience as a true administrative nightmare. While her husband has been granted the right to return to France, Hager feels trapped by a system that seems completely dysfunctional.
An appeal for help and understanding #
Hager’s experience is a poignant reminder of the challenges vacationers may face in the face of unexpected administrative situations. At a time when travel is encouraged, it is essential to be aware of the risks that may arise along the way. Vigilance is necessary, and it may prove beneficial to anticipate the necessary procedures before traveling abroad.
Meanwhile, Hager continues to fight to regain her residency rights and find her way back to France. Her story highlights the importance of maintaining open communication with authorities and being prepared to face potential unforeseen circumstances when traveling abroad. She hopes that her experience will highlight the need for reform to simplify the administrative processes faced by French citizens living abroad.
