Local officials seek US visas amid corruption probes

Several Moroccan municipal officials are reportedly seeking U.S. tourist visas valid for up to five years as investigations into financial misconduct and governance irregularities intensify.

Sources told Hespress AR that a number of current and former presidents of communal councils from the Casablanca–Settat, Marrakech–Safi, and Fès–Meknès regions have recently joined queues for U.S. visa appointments, in what appears to be an effort to secure a potential exit strategy.

Some of these officials are currently on trial in Morocco’s specialized financial crimes courts, while others await appellate rulings or cassation decisions expected to uphold earlier convictions handed down by lower courts.

According to the same sources, certain officials, not known for any sports affiliations, attempted to justify their visa applications by claiming interest in attending Wydad Casablanca’s matches in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the U.S. from June 14 to July 13.

Efforts were also made by some officials to expedite the process. Several reportedly sought assistance from agencies near the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca to secure earlier appointments and fast-track visa approvals, especially as the Ministry of the Interior is expected to soon release inspection reports on multiple municipalities.

Among those seeking visas is a former council president from Berrechid Province who has already been sentenced to prison and fined by the Casablanca Court of Appeal over financial mismanagement, based on prior findings by the Casablanca–Settat Regional Court of Accounts.

Additional reports are expected to be referred to the public prosecutor’s office, which may transfer files to the National Judicial Police Brigade for further investigation into misuse of public funds—some cases dating back more than a decade.

Sources also noted that a number of provincial governors affected by recent administrative reshuffles still have pending inspection files gathering dust on their desks.

Separately, a team from the General Inspectorate for Territorial Administration (IGAT), in collaboration with the Directorate of Local Public Services, uncovered a notable increase in visa applications to the U.S. by municipal and provincial employees. These requests are believed to be precautionary, with some employees allegedly viewing the long-term visas as an escape option should they be implicated in future probes.

The investigations have already led to suspensions, dismissals, and prosecutions of senior elected officials and administrative staff, signaling a broader crackdown on public sector corruption and mismanagement.