Morocco Travel Restrictions Disrupt French Retirees’ Winter Plans Amid Covid-19

"Since 2010, we have spent all our winters there," Robert, 80, a former truck driver, confides to La Dépêche du Midi, map of Morocco in hand. He and his wife Marcelle, 74, are lovers of the kingdom. "The first year, we had just gone there to discover it and the sun pleased us," Marcelle recounts. The health crisis related to the coronavirus forced them to change their annual schedule. This year, they spent the winter with their daughter, in the Pyrenees where they are domiciled.

The couple receives 2,500 euros in retirement. They had to sell their house 20 years ago and their apartment two years ago. "Too many charges," explains Marcelle. "But you see, we have all the comfort and mobility on site," Robert points out. They also travel with the Smart in tow, behind their motorhome. With 200 euros, he reaches Morocco via Spain on a ferry. They stay there for three months or more. "The Moroccans are kind, very welcoming," Marcelle rejoices. "And then it’s true that life is cheaper, that we have vegetables, fruits, fresh fish..." the couple adds.

Robert and Marcelle are "swallows," these tens of thousands of "migratory" retirees who join countries close to France such as Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco, but also Algeria and Tunisia. "More than a million seniors have already chosen to settle abroad to better live their retirement," says the specialized website Retraite.com. But with the appearance of the coronavirus, things are getting complicated for seniors. "It is therefore advisable for today’s candidates to be well informed about the rules applicable in the host country, the social agreements and the tax conventions that exist between the chosen destination and France".