Moroccan Family in Aubenas Faces Deportation, Community Rallies for Support

Abdelkhalek Makkina, a mason, his wife Fatima and their two children Nizar (soon to be 4 years old) and Amir (9 months) born in France are threatened with expulsion. Originally from the Sahara, the two parents had fled this region of southern Morocco six years ago for France after being, they say, victims of racism, reports Le Dauphiné Libéré. Before the Makkina family filed an application for regularization to be able to continue to stay in Ardèche, they received an initial Obligation to Leave the French Territory (OQTF) two years ago.

The Movement against Racism and for Friendship between Peoples (Mrap) is lending them a hand. It is challenging the decision before the administrative court of Lyon. The latter rules in its favor. However, the court’s decision does not allow this Moroccan family to obtain a residence permit. The Mrap continues to defend their cause but is saddened by the situation: "Despite testimonies of integrity, a certificate from Abdelkhalek’s employer of a promise of a permanent contract in case of regularization, an intervention by the deputy to support this request, we have not been heard, because the family has received a new OQTF less than 15 days ago."

An appeal against this OQTF has been filed with the administrative court. It is suspensive. The official decision of the administrative court could be made in five or six months. Meanwhile, the Makkina family can still stay in Aubenas for a few more weeks with the obligation to report to the police station weekly to justify their presence due to a residence assignment.