French Visa Denials Strain Moroccan Transport Industry Amid Pandemic Recovery

During a press conference, the Moroccan Association of International Road Transport of Commercial Vehicles (AMRTIVU) reported the difficulties of carriers in obtaining visas for France. "A large number of companies work normally and travel between the two countries but some are at a standstill. The consulate refuses to grant them visas for unknown reasons. And we want to open a dialogue on this subject," said Hafid Harouri, president of AMRTIVU, to the Al Oâmk website.

Professionals wonder if the Covid-19 pandemic could be the reason for this refusal. The association said that there are around 1300 companies working in the international road transport sector, 80% of which are active in France where a large part of the Moroccans residing abroad live. "This visa problem exacerbates the difficulties of these companies, many of which are struggling under loans due to the Covid-19 pandemic," laments AMRTIVU.