Morocco’s Budget Minister Denies Increased Customs Checks on Expats

Questioned in parliament on the controversy, the minister said that the customs control has not changed. "The customs legislation has not undergone any change," he declared, recalling that the law in force only applies to commercial transactions on foreign-origin products. "Beyond commercial operations, customs does not intervene in control," he insisted.

According to the explanations, the personal belongings and gifts of Moroccans living abroad are not subject to any reinforced control, assures Lekjaâ, according to whom the customs authorities make a lot of efforts to facilitate as much as possible the freedom of movement of Moroccans living abroad and their accessibility to the country.

This clarification follows the clarifications from the Ministry of Finance, which had also categorically denied the allegations that the Customs and Indirect Taxes Administration (ADII) has strengthened control over gifts and personal effects belonging to Moroccan travelers, including Moroccans of the world, upon their arrival on national territory.