Libya’s eastern-based government on Friday criticized Morocco’s continued requirement for Libyan citizens to obtain entry visas, arguing that the measure — introduced in 2014 amid security concerns — is no longer justified.
Abdelhadi Al-Huwaij, foreign minister of the parliament-appointed government led by Osama Hamad, told Hespress AR that Libya imposes no visa requirements on Moroccan citizens. He said the restrictions persist despite what he described as “excellent security and intelligence conditions” in Libya and strong bilateral cooperation.
“Unfortunately, Moroccan authorities still deal with the visa issue in the same way as in 2014 and 2015, while Libya has recovered and now enjoys excellent security,” Al-Huwaij said, adding that the country maintains close cooperation with Morocco in several fields.
The visa system was introduced by Morocco in February 2014 after foreign nationals were caught using falsified Libyan passports, according to Libyan officials at the time.
Al-Huwaij’s remarks follow growing frustration among Libyans, including citizens married to Moroccan women, who say visa refusals prevent them from visiting in-laws in Morocco. Families have voiced concerns that restrictive rules strain cross-border marriages, particularly given cultural norms that discourage women from traveling alone.
A number of Libyan and Moroccan political figures have also signaled support for easing restrictions. Amal Bugaighis, a member of Libya’s Political Dialogue Forum, said at a recent meeting in Benghazi that both countries are considering lifting visa requirements to boost trade and people-to-people exchange.
Libyan parliamentary speaker Abdullah Al-Masri Al-Fadil also urged Morocco’s consul general in Benghazi, Said Benkiran, to facilitate travel for Libyans and restore Moroccan airline services to the country.
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