Spain Denies Residence to Critically Ill Moroccan Child Needing Lifelong Care

Arrived on Spanish soil, with a tourist visa, two years ago, this young Moroccan national, suffering from chronic kidney failure, was able to obtain a kidney transplant at the Cruces hospital in Baracaldo in the Basque Country, reports Article19.

However, his parents, somewhat relieved, remain worried about his future because, in reality, Othman needs lifelong treatment. But he cannot access this care in his country, the media points out. "His kidney is at risk of stopping working if he returns to the country, which would endanger Othman’s life," the child’s father told Basque Television, "EITB".

The most painful thing is the refusal of the Government Sub-Delegation to grant this minor and his parents a temporary residence permit. In trying to explain the refusal of the parents’ request, the Basque media notes that "Spain only grants residence to foreigners if the illness has occurred under the legislation of the State, except in exceptional cases".

In despair, Othman’s parents now have their eyes turned to the judge in charge of the case on which Othman’s future now depends. Unwilling to give up, the parents hope that the Spanish government will not remain insensitive to the case of their child, by applying the rule of exception.