He says he wants to return to Morocco after retrieving his permit in Spain : judge keeps him in detention
A Moroccan man held in detention in the Netherlands says he wants to return voluntarily to Morocco after retrieving his diplomas and driving licence left in Spain. The court nevertheless refuses to release him, considering that the risk of absconding remains too high.
The man, born in 1989, was placed in administrative detention on 4 September 2026. This measure is intended to enable the Dutch authorities to prepare his removal to Morocco, according to the decision of the The Hague court.
The Ministry of Asylum and Migration considered that there was a risk that the Moroccan man would evade his departure. Several elements were held against him: irregular entry into or movement within Europe, a previous obligation to leave the territory that had not been complied with, and a lack of cooperation in establishing his identity and nationality.
The administration also noted that he had stated that he did not intend to comply with his obligation to return. His asylum application had been rejected, while he had neither a fixed address nor sufficient resources in the Netherlands. He was also accused of having worked without authorisation.
On Bladi.net : He Refuses to Return to Morocco, Court Refuses to Release Him from Detention
At the hearing on 10 September, the ministry dropped one of the grounds initially invoked. However, the other elements justifying the detention were not challenged by the person concerned.
He wants to retrieve his documents before leaving
The Moroccan man asked the court to replace his detention with a less restrictive measure. He stated that he wanted to return voluntarily to Morocco, but explained that he first wished to retrieve his diplomas and driving licence, which, according to him, are in Spain.
This commitment did not convince the judge. In view of his background and the obligations he had failed to comply with, the court considers that the risk of absconding remains and that a less restrictive measure would not guarantee his departure.
The judge also notes that no personal or medical circumstances make his detention excessively burdensome. The measure is therefore deemed necessary to organise his return to Morocco.
On Bladi.net : The Netherlands Detains Him for 8 Days Before His Return to Morocco: Judge Releases Him and Awards Him €1,000
On 14 September, the court rejected his appeal and confirmed that he would remain in administrative detention. His claim for compensation was also rejected, as was reimbursement of his legal costs.