South Asian, general in France

Introduction / History

Early in the twentieth century only a few people from South Asia came to France. South Asians leaving the troubles in Uganda at the time came to the country in the early 1970s. Sri Lankans working in Iran came in the late 1970s after the Iranian revolution. Later they became the bridge for Tamil refugees in the civil war.
In the early 1990s a small Pakistani community came to France. Most of them worked in the manufacturing industry or in the service trade and they lived mainly in Paris. Unskilled workers from the Punjab and the northwest later came into the country.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most South Asians in France appear to work in unskilled jobs; for example, in restaurants. Many Tamils have Indian restaurants and travel agencies and there are Tamil newspapers. Some French towns now have Hindu temples.
Though Tamils keep to themselves, many provide a good education for their children. Tamil boys may have white girl friends from France but there are not many mixed marriages.
There are not many Tamil women in France. Unmarried women cannot come, and Tamil refugees cannot return to Sri Lanka to marry. At one time they married in India. They have since gone to Malaysia and Singapore for civil marriages. Some only have ritual marriages in France.

What Are Their Beliefs?

South Asians in France tend to be Hindu, but there is a strong Muslim and Sikh minority among them. Some are Christians.

What Are Their Needs?

France is a secularized country. The South Asians are unlikely to hear the gospel unless someone makes a point of telling them.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to thrust out loving workers to the South Asians in France.
Pray for South Asian evangelists, pastors and disciplers to tend to spiritual needs in France.
Pray for South Asians to have the spiritual hunger it takes to seek and find the Lord.

Text Source:   Joshua Project