Moroccan Truckers Threaten 72-Hour Port Blockade Over Visa Restrictions

The Moroccan Association of National, International and Logistics Transport (AMTNIL) condemns the visa restrictions imposed on Moroccan truck drivers by the French and Spanish consulates. "For a year now, the French and Spanish consular services have changed their attitude towards Moroccan truckers. More than 400 drivers are being denied visas by the consulates of France and Spain for unfounded reasons, knowing that most of them have more than 10 years of experience and have already obtained their visas several times," denounces Said El Chrif, president of AMTNIL, interviewed by Le360.

To protest against this situation, AMTNIL is inviting Moroccan truck drivers to gather in front of the gates of Tanger Med and the port of Algeciras. This action, according to the president of AMTNIL, will cause huge financial losses to the shipping companies serving the Tanger Med-Algeciras route, to French automakers, and to Moroccan or foreign operators.

He regrets it, but thinks it is the only way to draw the attention of decision-makers to the "unlivable situation" of the companies impacted by the visa restrictions. "If we refuse visas to Moroccan drivers, the bilateral agreements signed with France and Spain, particularly those governing TIR activity, become obsolete and only serve the interests of the foreign flag," notes Said El Chrif.

He adds that "the situation is becoming untenable. Hundreds of trucks are now at a standstill, while companies are required to continue to meet current expenses, including the salaries of drivers without visas and leasing payments to finance companies."

The association had planned to block and disrupt maritime traffic between Morocco and Spain during the period from November 21 to 23. But "following the meetings held in Tangier on November 17 and in Agadir on November 19, and after a long debate, it was decided to postpone the implementation of this decision." AMTNIL intends to do as the Spanish transporters who plan to hold a strike on December 21, 22 and 23.