Belgium Moves to Deport Disabled Moroccan Immigrant Despite Community Support

The arguments are not lacking in the support committee for Abdel, this young disabled Moroccan who has lived in Marche-en-Famenne since October 2014 and is perfectly integrated there, reports La Dernière heure.

"Following an accident, Abdel had part of his left leg amputated at the age of 12," explains the support committee. "He wears a prosthesis below the knee. In Belgium for six years, he has learned to read and write in French. He has also taken lutherie courses in Marche-en-Famenne, with the hope of working as a luthier-repairer. He has also completed a business manager training."

Required to renew his residence permit every year, this is the first time he has been refused by the Foreigners Office. His disability not allowing him to stand for long and his insufficient schooling, he cannot claim a job in a comfortable setting. Thus, his return to Morocco does not guarantee him any opportunity.

But here the law is the law. "If he is not in the conditions to stay in Belgium, the municipality cannot oppose a decision made by the Foreigners Office. The only solution for him would be to find a job in Belgium quickly," concludes the mayor of Marche-en-Famenne, André Bouchat.