Thousands of Moroccans Stranded as Nation Closes Borders Over Omicron Fears

The many Moroccans stranded abroad are waiting to be repatriated to Morocco. For now, they do not know if special flights will be scheduled for their return. They are facing the refusal of airlines to modify their tickets. Instead, the latter are rather offering them refunds. On Wednesday, many were queuing at airport counters to postpone their flights after the fifteen-day border closure, reports the daily Al Ahdath Al Maghribia.

But most airlines do not allow this possibility, offering refunds as the only option. Some airlines have not even offered any formula, leaving their customers to their fate.

To read: Airlines Offer Special Flights and Refunds Amid Omicron Border Closures

On the Moroccan side, special flights are planned between December 1 and 6 to repatriate to France and Spain the French, Spanish and dual nationals stranded in the kingdom. Moroccans holding a residence permit in these countries will have to wait before returning to their host country, the same source said, citing press releases from the embassies of Spain and France.

Airlines and travel agencies are taking advantage of the closure of Moroccan air borders to sell return tickets for 400 euros. The situation is more complicated for Moroccan students in France and Spain who were on a stay in the kingdom. They are stuck there, while most have to take the end-of-term exams between December 10 and 21.