Morocco Prepares Repatriation Plan for 32,000 Citizens Stranded Overseas

To launch this repatriation operation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has met with hotel federations and establishments affiliated with regional tourism centers to inquire about their hosting capacity, reports Telquel.

Of the 32,000 Moroccans stuck abroad since the borders were closed in mid-March, nearly 6,000 have already been taken care of by diplomatic representations abroad.

According to the same source, the air option is not the only one considered by Moroccan diplomacy. Like France, Morocco could also use a maritime bridge for the repatriation of Moroccans stranded abroad. Given the geographical proximity, the stranded Moroccans could also return by using the ports of Sète, Algeciras and Genoa, it is reported.

Pending details on a schedule for this repatriation operation, it should span several days, even weeks. Significant resources will also have to be allocated to the air part of this operation, the total cost of which, according to a source close to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is between 135 and 194 million dirhams. In addition, the operation should receive the blessing of the Ministries of Health and Interior before its launch.