Autistic Moroccan Child and Mother Face Deportation from France Despite Court Ruling

"Pézenas, our city, has welcomed Lila and Omar, they are welcome here, they have their place among us," launched Colette Piedcoq, the president of SOS Racisme in Pézenas and the members of the Cercle du silence who supported the Moroccan woman and her son, on the forecourt of the collegiate church of Saint-Jean. This mother arrived in Pézenas in June 2019 so that her heavily disabled child could receive the necessary care for his state of health, reports Midi Libre. But she received an Order to Leave French Territory (OQTF).

In March, Lila won in the administrative court of Montpellier. The OQTF had been canceled and the court had ordered the prefecture of Hérault to re-examine the file and make a new decision. A legal victory that will be short-lived. Omar’s mother, who filed a new application for a residence permit, receives a new Order to Leave French Territory (OQTF). Consequently, a hearing will be held at the administrative court of Montpellier on Tuesday, November 28 at 9:30 a.m.

A painful situation for Lila and her husband, a doctor in Morocco, who finances her stay. She only wishes to obtain the right to remain in France, to apply for a residence permit as a parent of a sick child, in accordance with French legislation.