Diabetic French Resident Stranded in Morocco as Daughter Pleads for Repatriation Amid COVID-19 Lockdown

"My father is diabetic and has heart problems. The treatment he is following is not available in Morocco, and he cannot be properly treated. He absolutely needs to take his medication to stay alive," worries Saadia Demnati. Her father, Abdesslam Demnati, is 75 years old and has been stranded in Morocco since the country’s lockdown. "My father is alone in Morocco and we don’t know the reality of his daily life there. Yet, in this Ramadan period, we are supposed to be with family and in solidarity...", she continues.

His repatriation is proving complicated, as he does not hold French nationality. "While it is true that France is repatriating its citizens, my father, who does not have French nationality but only a residence permit, cannot be repatriated by France," Saadia points out.

According to her, her family is not the only one facing this situation. "Many families, like us, are experiencing this kind of situation that separates families. But nothing is moving. We are fighting against windmills and we find ourselves at a dead end," explains the resident of Melun to Actu.fr. She says she has contacted the Moroccan consulate and filled out many forms. But "nothing came of it," she laments.

For now, Abdesslam Demnati is receiving his medication by mail.