Morocco Delays Repatriation of 22,000 Citizens Stranded Abroad Amid Pandemic

The Council examined the situation of Moroccan nationals stranded abroad and noted the need for the government to "put in place the necessary conditions, before proceeding with the repatriation" of these citizens who only want to return to the country. The government says it is "closely monitoring" the situation. It also salutes the support actions from the embassies and consulates for the most destitute, with the accommodation of 5,704 people.

However, the government has drawn attention to the fact that the "return" of Moroccans stranded abroad must take into account "the evolution of the pandemic" within the kingdom, within the framework of a "global approach" followed by the kingdom in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic (covid-19). It is important for the government to ensure that this return "does not represent a danger, not only for the repatriates, but also for their homeland," the same source specifies.