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Repatriating the 27,000 Moroccans stranded abroad won’t happen before May 20

Mohamed Basri, an ambassador and consular affairs director. / Archive- Yabiladi
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The number of Moroccans stranded abroad due to the coronavirus lockdown continues to grow. Recent figures presented by embassies and consulates suggest that 27,585 Moroccans are currently stranded abroad. 5,704 of them are housed, fed and supported by the Kingdom’s diplomatic representations abroad.

Regarding the repatriation operation which had been announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, without giving a specific date, Moroccans will have to wait. Indeed, Mohamed Basri, an ambassador and consular affairs director, told Radio 2M that a repatriation date will be announced after May 20, which would mark the end of the state of health emergency in Morocco.

Asked about the Kingdom's delay compared to other countries which have repatriated their nationals, Basri replied that «each country has its own approach» and «remains sovereign» in its policy. 

To him, the key to the success of such an operation lies in the coordination of all ministerial departments to both repatriate our fellow citizens but also ensure their safety.

«It is not a financial issue rather a question of protection and assistance», he concluded.

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