House of New Caledonia in Paris Closes its Doors Permanently
Paris, January 9, 2026 – The House of New Caledonia in Paris, a significant “anchor point” for New Caledonians residing in mainland France, officially closed its doors permanently on Friday, January 9. Established in 1989 following the Matignon Accords, the association played a crucial role in providing public services to New Caledonian citizens living in metropolitan France and symbolized the cooperation between the French state and the overseas territory. However, its board of directors made the decision to close in November, citing financial reasons.
Financial Constraints Force Closure
The closure marks the end of 27 years of operation for the institution. Located in the heart of the 1st arrondissement of Paris, the House of New Caledonia was an association co-managed by local institutions – the government and congress of New Caledonia. Its primary mission was to assist New Caledonians with various administrative, social, and cultural needs while they were in mainland France.
The decision to cease operations was primarily driven by financial challenges that the association had been facing. While the exact details of the financial difficulties were not fully disclosed, the board’s resolution in November indicated that the situation was unsustainable, leading to the definitive closure.
Impact on New Caledonians in Metropolitan France
The closure of the House of New Caledonia leaves a void for many New Caledonians who relied on its services. The association provided essential support, acting as a liaison and a point of reference for those navigating life away from their home territory. Its absence will undoubtedly be felt by the community it served.
Future Plans: A New Annex Service
Despite the closure of the existing structure, there are plans to establish a replacement service. Authorities have indicated that an annex service is expected to be put in place by the end of the year. This new entity will aim to continue providing similar support and services to New Caledonians in mainland France, ensuring that their needs are still met. The exact nature and scope of this new service are yet to be fully detailed.
The House of New Caledonia’s closure highlights the ongoing challenges faced by some overseas territories’ representations in metropolitan France, particularly regarding sustainable funding models for their public service missions.
Source: liberation.fr
