Moroccan embassy interferes in young Moroccan’s detention at Jordanian airport

In connection with the case of Moroccan citizen Abdellah Massaoudi, reportedly “detained” at King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, Jordan—a case previously covered by Hespress—reliable sources have confirmed that the Moroccan Embassy in Amman has been in contact with Jordanian authorities regarding his situation.

According to the same sources, Massaoudi is expected to be deported to the Arab Republic of Egypt, the country from which he arrived, after spending approximately two weeks there. The decision is based on security-related concerns, with Jordanian authorities declaring him persona non grata after conducting a security review, thus denying him entry into the country.

Sources also told Hespress that the Moroccan national was held in the airport’s holding room until his departure, scheduled for the next available flight to Cairo on Sunday. Efforts to secure an earlier flight were unsuccessful, with the delay reportedly being the responsibility of the airline.

The same sources clarified that the holding room at King Hussein International Airport is equipped with hotel-like amenities, including a bed and basic necessities. They added that the Moroccan Embassy in Jordan was finally able to make contact with Massaoudi on Saturday morning, after multiple attempts. Notably, airport authorities had reportedly confiscated his phone following the publication of a news article about his case on Hespress.

According to information obtained by Hespress, Massaoudi told embassy staff that he was being treated well. He explained that he had arrived from Egypt on Wednesday evening without a visa, intending to make a tourist visit to Jordan before continuing to Abu Dhabi and later to Kazakhstan. He claimed he was unaware that a visa was required to enter Jordan.

While the Jordanian authorities are seeking to deport him to Egypt, Massaoudi reportedly objected, arguing that his Egyptian visa had expired and that returning there would be problematic.

Earlier, Massaoudi had told Hespress that he was being “detained” at the airport without clear justification, describing the holding room as lacking even the “most basic comforts.” He also reported being interrogated by Jordanian security officials about his frequent international travel, which included visits to several countries. He criticized the Moroccan Embassy at the time for failing to intervene with Jordanian authorities to clarify the reasons for his detainment and denial of entry.