Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said the European Union issued more than 606,000 visas to Moroccan citizens in 2024, highlighting what he described as an improvement in relations with Europe.
Responding in writing to a parliamentary question on reciprocity in visa policy, Bourita underlined that Morocco’s approach is “comprehensive and based on a balance of interests, respect for agreements and cooperation,” stressing that Rabat “is guided neither by emotions nor by impulsive reactions.”
The minister noted that the EU’s refusal rate for Moroccan applications did not exceed 20 percent, a level he characterized as average compared to other countries.
France alone granted about 284,000 visas last year, a 17 percent increase from 2023. According to Bourita, this placed Morocco at the top of French visa recipients in the region and reflected the “common political will of both countries to turn the page on past tensions.”
Bourita stressed that visa policy is a sovereign right, shaped by each state’s internal and external priorities.
Likewise, Morocco’s own visa decisions are guided by reciprocity, political and economic considerations, and the state of bilateral relations.
He emphasized that Rabat distinguishes between countries based on their cooperation, historical ties and signed agreements.
The minister added that Morocco’s shift to modern electronic visa systems embodies this strategic approach, seeking to expand openness while safeguarding sovereignty.
He also said the foreign ministry regularly raises concerns with foreign embassies and consulates in Morocco regarding delegated visa processing systems, which have been vulnerable to exploitation by illegal intermediaries.
Bourita insisted that Morocco continues to press for visa requests to be handled within reasonable timeframes and in ways that respect citizens’ dignity, particularly in urgent humanitarian cases such as medical treatment or studies.
He further pointed to improvements in the international ranking of the Moroccan passport, now among the world’s 70 strongest, describing this as evidence of the country’s credibility and its strengthened international partnerships.
Visa policy, he concluded, must remain part of “an integrated national vision” that balances sovereignty, openness, and the protection of Moroccan citizens’ interests.
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