Are Moroccans stranded in Ceuta next in line for repatriation before Eid al-Fitr ?

Moroccans stranded in Ceuta since the border closed on March 13 will be able to return to their country «before the end of Ramadan», which is next weekend. The declaration was made Saturday, by local association «Residents of Ceuta» citing Moroccan customs sources.

Abdelmalik Mohamed, president of the association quoted by El Faro de Ceuta, explains that the Moroccan authorities are awaiting the final details of the operation that will be set up to allow the return of more than 300 people, currently stranded. The operation’s details should be communicated «within the next few hours».

LikeMoroccans stranded in Melilla, the repatriation of this group «would also be via the land border without having to cross the strait in the direction of Algeciras, then make the opposite route in the direction of Tangier or TangerMED».

«Although some media outlets have only talked about Melilla, the truth is that those stranded in Ceuta could also return home before the end of Ramadan», Mohamed said.

On Friday, Morocco repatriated 200 stranded people in Melilla out of a total of 500 people. They were transported by bus to Saïdia and Nador for compulsory isolation for 14 days before being allowed to return to their homes.

This initiative was undertaken the day after the discovery of the lifeless body of a Moroccan national, also stranded in Melilla.

For the record, nearly 28,000 Moroccans are stranded abroad and have been waiting for more than two months for their repatriation to the Kingdom.