Hundreds of migrants were relocated from the southern suburbs of Paris to other cities in preparation for the Olympics. On April 17, authorities asked immigrants living in an abandoned office building on the outskirts of Paris to board buses to travel to the central city of Orleans or Bordeaux in the southwest. This building is home to 450 immigrants, most of whom have legal documents and are waiting for social housing.
Immigration officials met with individuals to explain their situation in French or English and tried to persuade some to relocate to Bordeaux, citing opportunities outside of Paris. The 2024 Paris Olympics are expected to attract thousands of athletes and visitors from around the world, with a significant security presence in place. France will deploy tens of thousands of police, private security officers, and military soldiers daily during the two-week event.
Charities have accused authorities of trying to push homeless people out of the capital to make way for the Olympics. Some residents left the building earlier in the week, with about 300 people carrying luggage leaving on the morning of April 17 under the supervision of riot police. Most of them were young men, but there were also mothers with small children.
The relocation has raised concerns among charities that it may be part of a wider effort by authorities to clear homeless people from Paris ahead of the Olympics. They argue that this could lead to further displacement and hardship for vulnerable individuals who already face significant challenges in finding secure housing and employment.
