Moroccan Father’s 20-Year Dream Shattered: Nationality Revoked Over Language Test

The Moroccan works and has integrated into the social fabric of Villamante where he has lived with his wife and children for more than 20 years. He has no criminal record and has never been arrested or fined for an offense. In 2016, he decided to apply for Spanish nationality, confident that he met all the required conditions. He filed his application online, attaching proof of registration for the exam on constitutional and sociocultural knowledge of Spain (CCSE) from the Cervantes Institute. But the Moroccan did not provide copies of the required diplomas, nor proof of passing the Spanish as a foreign language exam (DELE), mandatory for foreigners not from Spanish-speaking countries.

After reviewing his file, the Directorate General of Legal Security and Public Faith decided in 2022 to grant him Spanish nationality. But subsequently, it was found that the procedure had not been completed and that the conditions for obtaining nationality required a more thorough examination. In November 2023, it was noted that Spanish nationality had been granted to the Moroccan without him having proven that he had met the legal requirements, in particular the DELE. The Ministry of Justice then filed an appeal with the Audiencia Nacional to request the cancellation of the nationality. During this procedure, the Moroccan provided the documents in his possession, but did not prove that he had passed the Spanish language proficiency exam.

After analyzing the file, the Audiencia Nacional confirmed that the applicant had neither provided nor proven that he had passed the DELE exam, ordering the cancellation of the Spanish nationality granted to the Moroccan. The estimated court costs of 1,500 euros are to be borne by the Moroccan. The decision will be notified to the civil registry of Villamanta and to other organizations in order to cancel the rights and benefits he enjoyed as a Spaniard. The Moroccan can file an appeal with the Supreme Court if the deadline is still running, or a new application for nationality after passing the required exams.