Stranded Moroccans Plead for Repatriation as Flight Ban Leaves Thousands Abroad

Faced with the situation experienced by Moroccans present in nearly 40 countries affected by the suspension of flights with Morocco, the Moroccan government must react. These are not Moroccans on vacation or residing in these countries, but those who have gone to these countries for professional or health reasons, says Maroc Hebdo, relaying the misfortunes of a Moroccan stranded in Turkey since February 22, 2021.

"There are real dramas happening in Turkey right now. Some have come for a few days for health reasons and have found themselves for nearly two months without money, without food and without a roof. With about twenty Moroccans, we have set up tents under a bridge where we have been sleeping for more than a month in the bitter cold. During the day, we beg, we try to find small jobs to be able to eat our fill. Our families in Morocco and Moroccans living in Turkey help us from time to time, but it is not enough," said a source, adding that due to the situation, several Moroccan women have resorted to prostitution to survive, "recruited by mafia prostitution networks, mostly led by Syrians."

In addition, specialized mafia networks in illegal immigration have scammed several Moroccans, without helping them to reach the kingdom. Also, these unfortunate Moroccans have tried to contact the Moroccan Consulate General in Istanbul, to no avail. "I don’t understand why our country refuses to save us from this unworthy situation. I feel betrayed," laments the same source. Yet, in 2020, following sit-ins organized by Moroccans stranded abroad, despite their large number, the government put in place means for their repatriation. But this year, it is total silence.

While the Moroccan government is turning a deaf ear, other countries such as Turkey, France, and Spain are currently repatriating their nationals who remained in Morocco. All these children of the kingdom ask is for the Moroccan government to react to this cry of distress, in the midst of a humanitarian crisis.