The move comes amid reports of leaked official documents outlining tough measures by Paris against the former colony

The wife of Algeria's ambassador to Mali has been denied entry to France for allegedly not having the required documents, the African nation's press service (APS) reported on Saturday. It described the action as a "provocation" from Paris.

The incident at Paris Charles de Gaulle (Roissy Airport) comes amid a standoff between the French government and Algiers over a decades-old migration deal that provides special benefits to Algerian nationals settling in France. Last week, French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou warned that Paris would review the 1968 agreement, accusing the North African country of refusing to take back citizens deported under the obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) law.

According to APS, French border police claimed the diplomat's spouse had no money, despite presenting valid documents, including her husband's credit card, insurance, and proof of accommodation.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed to Le Figaro newspaper on Sunday that "some Algerian nationals have consequently been sent back to their country" as part of a "graduated response" initiated by Paris.

"We have already enforced measures at our borders, particularly at Roissy, where we now require a mission order for Algerians presenting a diplomatic passport at our checkpoints," the minister stated in an interview with the French outlet.

READ MORE: France threatens to review migration pact with former colony

Under bilateral agreements between Algeria and France, holders of diplomatic passports are exempt from presenting a set of supporting papers, such as proof of financial resources, to the border police when entering France.

However, Le Figaro said the French Interior Ministry has reversed the measure in response to the latest tensions over the Algerian government's refusal to accept deportees.

"Holders of diplomatic passports must now comply with the classic rules for entering France," a ministry source told the newspaper.

Earlier last week, Algeria's Foreign Ministry said Paris imposed restrictions on entry into France for Algerians who hold "special travel documents" that ordinarily exempt them from visa formalities.

French outlet La Tribune also published a story on Sunday about a leaked secret Interior Ministry document outlining "tough" measures to "increase pressure" on Algeria.

Fragile relations between Paris and its former colony began deteriorating in July, when French President Emmanuel Macron reversed his country's decades-long diplomatic stance and endorsed a controversial Moroccan autonomy plan for the disputed territory of Western Sahara. Algiers, which supports the sparsely populated region's independence, has recalled its ambassador from Paris.

On Sunday, Retailleau cited several actions taken by the African country that he claims have contributed to the "slow and profound deterioration" of relations.

"Our companies are increasingly being harassed in Algeria; a very anti-French verse was reinstated in the Algerian national anthem in 2023; and French in primary school was eradicated in favor of English," he stated.

"France... has extended its hand and has obtained no results in return. At some point, we must say stop! France must make itself respected," the minister added.

(RT.com)