Moroccan Consulate in Lille Prepares to Repatriate Stranded Nationals Amid COVID-19 Border Closure

Since Morocco closed its borders to maximize its chances of fighting the spread of the new coronavirus, the consulate of the kingdom in Lille has not remained, it is sworn, insensitive to the distress of the Moroccans stranded there. In a statement to 2M, Nezha Riki said that from the first day, "the general consulate set up a crisis cell, in consultation with the Moroccan embassy in Paris, and in constant contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

She also said that people who could not be housed have "benefited from the coverage of accommodation costs. On the medical level, the consulate has covered the costs of consultation and the purchase of medicines for people suffering from chronic diseases as well as the payment of basic necessities."

Regarding the repatriation operation, it must be carried out according to the consul, under "the best conditions in order to ensure its success and preserve the health of the stranded persons, that of their families and the health security in Morocco". For the moment, discussions are underway with all the parties concerned in order to find the right strategy, she assures.