Are Dutch-Moroccans stranded because of political tensions between the two countries ?

Nearly 3,000 Dutch-Moroccans have been stranded in Morocco since the country's borders were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to Dutch media, this blockage is due in particular to diplomatic tensions between the two countries, especially since some European dual national citizens were able to go home.

Quoted by NL Times, the Moroccan-Dutch association (SMN) indeed stresses «double standards», with «distinction being made between the members of the Moroccan diasporas». SMN board member Sahil Achahboun told NOS that the Netherlands is trying to bring their residents back. Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok made an urgent appeal to Morocco last week, but nothing has been done yet.

«There are stories that this has to do with the deteriorating diplomatic conditions between the Netherlands and Morocco. It has not been officially communicated that this has to do with it, but you have to take it into account», said Achahboun. The Netherlands and Morocco confront each other on rejected repatriations, Rabat affirming that no one can leave the country because of the confinement, and those concerned claiming to be dual national citizens residing abroad permanently and pointing the finger elsewhere that European nationals have been able to return to their countries on special flights.

According to Sahil Achahboun, the Dutch-Moroccans trapped in Morocco are mostly «people who are chronically ill, people who depend on specific medications or care, pregnant women who survive in stressful circumstances, and entrepreneurs who are missing out on a lot of income or failing to meet their contractual obligations». In an open letter, the SMN asked the Moroccan government to allow these dual national citizens to return to the Netherlands.