The government of Edouard Philippe announced Thursday, April 30, an additional aid plan for French citizens abroad. After ensuring the repatriation of 180,000 of them (thanks to the 20 million euros already mobilized).
In total, an additional 220 million euros have been released by the French State to provide this support. In detail, 20 million euros will be mobilized to set up a specific medical device to monitor and advise vulnerable French people in their country of residence. “This medical device notably relies on tele-monitoring and tele-consultation mechanisms, as well as on the availability of medicines and oxygen and, as a last resort, for our compatriots who are in a health distress situation, on a solution medical evacuation ”, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The $ 20 million will be allocated for two months, but depending on the situation and the pandemic, the government may add funds to maintain this device.
Aid for scholarships and schools
Faced with permanent increases in French embassies, consulates, associations and social medical centers around the world, the government has allocated 50 million euros to respond to requests for emergency aid from French people abroad, "Who have no help from their state of residence, insurers or local structures".
50 million is also the amount granted to strengthen the scholarship schemes, the examination of which, depending on the situation of parents, is extended until May 15. "The consular councils responsible for examining the applications will use derogatory criteria to take into account the situation of parents of pupils in 2020 in order to take into account in particular a possible drop in income following the health crisis. In the circumstances which justify it, certain families already receiving scholarships may likewise benefit from increased care ”, detailed the ministry.
Finally, a France Trésor advance of 100 million will be granted to the AEFE network, "Backbone of the French education network abroad and whose role in the service of our compatriots as for the influence of France in the world is fundamental". With this envelope, the AEFE will come to the aid of all the establishments which will need it, whatever their status (establishment under direct management, establishment under agreement and partner establishment) for the benefit of all French and foreign families. The amount will be reassessed in June depending on the situation.
