“This virus doesn't like love. We, if ”: the Secretary of State for Tourism, Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, announced in an interview this Sunday at the JDD the establishment of a special procedure to allow the reunion of binational c ouples separated by the health crisis of coronavirus.
Thousands of unmarried lovers, held on one side and the other of the European Union, had until then been deprived of the possibility of making use of family reunification. They were sometimes asked to apply for a tourist visa, which was impossible to obtain in times of Covid-19, which did not fall into the category of essential travel.
In recent weeks, they had gathered behind two slogans on social networks: “Love is not tourism”, “love is not tourism”, and “love is essential”, “l 'love is essential'.
Proving a lasting sentimental relationship
“After having had a dialogue with the Love is not tourism collective ”, the government will therefore this week fill the legal void and open a derogatory procedure.
To win the sesame, "it will therefore be necessary to prove a lasting sentimental relationship", notes the Sunday daily. This can include a joint bank account, joint invoices, or a rental lease agreement. In addition, “The spouses must present themselves at the consulate with documents attesting to joint activities, their identity documents, proof of residence in France for the French spouse, a return transport ticket”, explains Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne . "These exemptions, which will be validated by the Interministerial Crisis Commission, will lead to the issuance of a laissez-passer when necessary," he adds.
European pressure
The pressure was intensified on Friday when the European Commission called on all member countries to allow the entry into their territory of unmarried partners of European residents. She regretted that "only a minority" allowed it.
At the beginning of July already, Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson had urged the authorities of each Member State and the airlines to "apply the broadest possible definition of the relationship".
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"The partner or sweetheart with whom the citizen or legal resident of the Union has a duly attested lasting relationship should be exempt from EU travel restrictions," she called.
I want to directly address and support the very committed and vocal #LoveIsEssential campaign.
I urge Member State authorities and indeed travel companies to apply as wide a definition of partnerships as possible. # LoveIsNotTourism
