Moroccan students to launch open-ended sit-in over Northern Cyprus degree recognition

Moroccan students and graduates from universities in Northern Cyprus have announced an open-ended sit-in outside the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation in Rabat starting Monday, July 20, at 11 a.m., protesting the continued deadlock over the recognition of their degrees.

The protest, organized by the National Coordination of Parents, Students and Graduates of Northern Cyprus Universities, comes after what it described as the exhaustion of all institutional and dialogue channels, according to a press release sent Friday to Yabiladi.

The group says the lack of a solution has caused academic, professional and social harm to thousands of Moroccan families, and is demanding the regularization of students' administrative and academic status to safeguard their rights and future.

The announcement follows months of uncertainty after Morocco suspended in 2024 the recognition of degrees from universities in Northern Cyprus amid concerns over the quality of education offered by some institutions.

The dispute has left hundreds of Moroccan students and graduates unable to validate their qualifications or pursue careers and further studies, despite many having enrolled before the restrictions were introduced. The coordination group said the sit-in will continue until authorities respond to what it described as its «legitimate and fair demands», while reiterating its willingness to engage in serious dialogue.