Morocco to Allow Repatriation of Deceased Expats After COVID-19 Crisis Ends

The delegate minister in charge of Moroccans residing abroad, aware of the importance for families to bury their deceased with respect for religion and the promises made, calls for the understanding of MREs. She stressed, in a statement to the MAP, that "as soon as this crisis is over, all families wishing to repatriate the remains of their deceased will be accompanied". She added that the wish of MREs to be buried in Morocco is legitimate and testifies to "their attachment and unconditional love for the motherland". But given the crisis shaking the world, such an operation cannot be possible. This is why the ministry has taken charge of the burial of "people in difficulty" or without burial insurance in the cemeteries and Muslim sections of the host countries, she specified.

In this context, she praised the understanding of families in Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands who, after this announcement, proceeded to bury a number of the remains awaiting repatriation. A monitoring and follow-up cell has been set up at the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support the MREs and works in total and continuous coordination with the diplomatic representations and consular centers of the kingdom, equipped with special cells for this purpose, explained the minister.

According to the Map, a platform dedicated to remote medical and psychological assistance and monitoring for the benefit of MREs will be set up. It will consist of a network of Moroccan and global doctors. The ministry has also contacted an association of Moroccan lawyers practicing abroad to assist MREs and provide them with free legal assistance. "In these difficult times, we share the sorrow of our brothers and sisters abroad who had to part with their loved ones, or even live this illness far from their families," she assured, saluting the spirit of responsibility they have shown to face these difficulties.

She stressed that history will remember their "collective sacrifices" and the "material and psychological losses" they have suffered, while calling on Moroccans to be more patient and supportive.