Belgian-Moroccan Man Renounces Citizenship Over Stranded Nationals Crisis

"We have understood that the problem is there. The Belgian Foreign Affairs has repeatedly expressed its willingness to take charge of the repatriation of Belgo-Moroccan dual nationals. Morocco seems to accept the possibility of a limited return for humanitarian cases - they would be 1,700 -; but no one knows when a possible repatriation will take place. Moroccan media mention mid-June. It’s far away. And without guarantee. No return flight is announced," fumes this Belgo-Moroccan in anger.

Khalil Zeguendi’s brother, awaiting care, is still stranded in Tangier. This causes the annoyance of this Brussels resident who no longer wants his Moroccan nationality. He defends all these dual nationals blocked in Morocco for more than a month and a half. "I analyze nationality as a contract between the state and the citizen where each has duties towards the other. The Moroccan state is not fulfilling its commitments," he denounces.

Putting his words into action, this Moroccan who has lived in Belgium since 1971, has sent a request to renounce his nationality, by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt, to the Moroccan Minister of Justice, Mohamed Ben Abdelkader. According to the procedure, it will take between 1 and 2 years for his renunciation to be pronounced and presented to King Mohammed VI for ratification.