Regulatory and legal frameworkLong- and short-term residence cardsTo stay in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon for reasons other than tourism or a simple business trip, the appropriate residence card must be requested. For example, it is possible to request a worker temporary residence card if the person is coming to work or a temporary residence card for family and personal purposes if the person wants to visit family for an extended period. This card is valid for one year. A "competencies and skills" residence card can be issued if a person wants to conduct scientific, cultural or humanitarian activities in French territory. This card is valid for three years, but can be renewed as needed. A long-term residence card can be issued in the following cases: for foreign children whose parents are French, foreigners who have received refugee status, or foreigners who are receiving a work accident allowance from a French organization. These cards are valid for 10 years.
PassportEC citizens must have a valid passport because they must travel through Canada to reach Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. Canadian and American citizens must have a valid passport. The American Passport Card is not recognized as a valid document. Moreover, children must have their own passport or be included on a parent's passport. Citizens of other countries must have a valid passport. In some cases, a visa may be required. Competitive regulatory systemThe Direction Générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des Fraudes de la France (DGCCRF) is responsible for the regulation of competitive markets, economic protection and consumer safety. As a consequence of the archipelago's size, several monopolies are in place. The DGCCRF ensures that consumers are protected. Among other things, it sets the price of several products and services sold in the archipelago, such as petroleum products (gas and fuel oil), taxi service and some other goods and services. The Direction also implemented a weight and measurement verification and calibration system for instruments. Consumer protectionEconomic protection of consumers is a serious issue in France, as in Canada. The DGCCRF ensures policy compliance regarding labelling rules, merchandise components and naming, misleading advertising, false rebates and much more. Consumer protection also includes issues such as pesticide residue in plant foods, toys and quality control of food imported by ship (transportation conditions and temperature). |
|||||||||||||||