Morocco Blocks Return of Dual Nationals to Belgium Amid COVID-19 Crisis

Belgium has managed to repatriate more than 5,000 Belgian nationals since March 18. "The largest repatriation operation" ever organized by the Foreign Affairs and touching all continents, he stressed during a virtual meeting of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Chamber exclusively devoted to the effects of the COVID-19 health crisis. But this was not enough to bring back all the Belgians, as Philippe Goffin said that "many" Belgians were still "stranded" abroad, reports 7sur7.be.

The return of Belgian-Moroccans is a concern for several deputies who have questioned the minister on the situation. "We want our dual nationals to be able to return to the country. We are doing everything to make this work. Except that for the moment, we are facing the categorical refusal of the Moroccan state. That’s as clear as that," said the head of Belgian diplomacy. He added that he maintains "permanent" contact with the Moroccan authorities, both with Nasser Bourita and with the Moroccan ambassador to Belgium, Mohammed Ameur.

But Morocco is not the only country refusing to repatriate dual nationals. "In Burundi, about thirty passengers awaiting repatriation by an Airbus A330 operated by Defense, mainly Belgian-Burundians, were prevented from boarding at the last minute by the local authorities." Philippe Goffin said he had again raised the issue on Monday with the Burundian ambassador to Brussels, Therence Ntahiraja.

Deputy Samuel Cogolati (Ecolo) has, for his part, suggested a revision of Article 79 of the Consular Code which, according to him, "discriminates against dual nationals by withdrawing all consular assistance to a Belgian, as soon as this person also holds the nationality of the State where he is located".