Moroccan Expats Protest Low Compensation for Tangier Port Expansion Expropriations

This tourist complex, covering an area of more than 7,000 m², located near Ksar Sghir, has 58 apartments, most of which belong to Moroccans living abroad (MREs). Some have said they have owned these properties since 2003.

The MREs claim not to oppose this expropriation for public utility. However, they denounce the derisory sums set by the judge as compensation, stressing that these amounts are equivalent to the purchase price of their property, reduced by 20%. Concretely, they explain that the sum of 190,000 dirhams (less than 19,000 euros) proposed by the judge is far from sufficient to acquire another apartment of the same standing or of lower value.

They were there when last week, equipment was deployed on the site and began demolishing the apartments. The MREs claim not to have been informed of a court decision ordering the demolition of the buildings, recalling that most of the owners live abroad, even if some are currently on vacation with their families in Morocco.

The victims still specify that they hold their furniture and personal effects in these apartments and fear finding themselves on the street overnight. Not knowing which way to turn, they sound the alarm and call on the competent authorities to take their responsibilities.