Moroccan Retiree’s Pension Slashed Due to Decades-Old Divorce Oversight

"Instead of 2,400 euros, I earn 1,200 euros per month. It’s the same as an unemployed person even though I’ve worked all my life," confided this 65-year-old retiree who has accumulated 49 years of professional experience in the chemical industry as a worker to RTL INFO.

Surprised, he wanted to understand why he only receives half the amount he should receive. The Federal Pension Service (SFP) explained to him that he is "a single person, without a dependent wife." In other words, the SFP acknowledges that Hakim is still married to his first wife.

At the origin of this embarrassing situation for the retiree, the non-recognition by the federal administration of his separation by repudiation from his first wife, a Moroccan national, in 1977. Especially since repudiation violates the principle of equality between men and women and non-discrimination against women. Similarly, the SFP does not recognize his marriage to his second wife, also of Moroccan nationality, with whom he has founded a family of three children.

Faced with this situation, Hakim is taking steps to contest the SFP’s decision. "From my point of view, taking into account the divorce certificate obtained recently in Morocco, I think we should be able to succeed in the procedure," said Hakim’s lawyer, Master Delfosse. The hearing was postponed to May 2020, the retiree said.

*Hakim, a pseudonym