The French government has accused some of the new language tests for foreigners wishing to stay in the country of being so difficult that even its citizens would fail.

A report on the impact of a new immigration law expected to come into force before the end of 2025 suggests that the stricter requirements could lead to 60,000 people being refused permission to stay in the country.

The law would require those applying for documents to have at least the French level of a schoolboy aged 11-15, the Guardian reports. Those applying for documents to stay longer or for citizenship applications will have to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency.

Research by FranceInfo showed that the required level is too high even for people whose native language is French.

The network sent 10 volunteers, including a literature student to the exam for those seeking French citizenship. Five of them failed the written test but passed the oral test, while two didn’t even have the levels required for their own citizenship.

The tests, which cost about 100 euros, are part of a bill passed last year that includes stricter border controls.

Until now, those applying for a residence card (carte de séjour) have had to sign a “contract of integration” and promise to learn French. Only those applying for French citizenship or long-term residence were required to take a language test.