The 1945 order relating to foreigners staying in the country offers sick foreigners the right to stay if the lack of treatment in their own country makes them fear for their health. In 2005, AIDES published a survey* carried out in all the prefectures in which the association has a presence. It shows that the law is applied unevenly, to say the least.

Our observations are stark: requests for documents not required by the law; refusal to register requests or to give receipts; payment of certain “chancery” fees not mentioned in the law; regularisation times of up to 2 years. The consequences of these obstacles on the living conditions of sick people may be considerable.

*Enquête sur l’accès au séjour, aux soins et à l’hébergement des étrangers séropositifs au VIH - août 2005.


Groups have been formed at AIDES to help foreigners and association staff and volunteers to get together with other associations and organise a collective mobilisation.
Finally, in the branches, whenever necessary, AIDES acts alongside the people concerned to help them make sure that their rights are respected.