New Delhi: Indian nationals in France have been urged to stay away from demonstrations, large gatherings and crowded places amid ongoing unrest and localised curfews in parts of the country.
The Indian Embassy in Paris issued a safety advisory asking Indian citizens residing in or travelling to France to remain vigilant, exercise caution and follow instructions issued by French authorities.
“In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution,” the embassy said in the advisory.
The embassy also urged Indian nationals to monitor local news and official announcements for updates and check for possible disruptions to public transport services in French cities.
Citizens were advised to consult the French government’s official website and transport updates issued by Paris transport operator RATP. The Indian Embassy in Paris and the Consulate General of India in Marseille have also shared helpline contacts to assist Indian nationals in emergencies.
The advisory comes amid heightened security measures in France following days of unrest linked to protests over the rising cost of living, deteriorating school infrastructure and teacher shortages.
The demonstrations reportedly began in mid-September, when students and teachers in the Paris suburbs raised concerns over overcrowded classrooms, poorly maintained school buildings and a shortage of teachers.
The movement later expanded to include trade unions and Yellow Vest activists, developing into a broader campaign over rising living costs and declining public services.
In response, the French government announced plans to deploy more than 3,000 substitute teachers to schools facing the most severe shortages and authorised several hundred additional recruitments. However, financial pressures and political divisions have complicated efforts to introduce wider reforms.
