Moroccans Stranded Abroad: 160 People Repatriated from Spain

A total of 160 Moroccans, including 17 babies, who were stranded in Spain following the closure of borders amid the coronavirus pandemic, were repatriated on Saturday to Morocco from the Spanish city of Seville.

This operation, initiated by the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco in Seville and the embassy of Morocco in Madrid, in cooperation and coordination with the Spanish authorities, benefited, in particular, to 77 seasonal Moroccan workers who were stranded in the province of Huelva, particularly those suffering from health problems, pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Among the beneficiaries were also Moroccans stranded in Bilbao, Valencia and Murcia, who were suffering from health problems or chronic diseases, in addition to the elderly and those in precarious situation.

Carried out under the supervision of Kingdom’s Consuls General in Bilbao, Valencia, Seville and Murcia, this operation was carried out in full compliance with the precautionary measures and the health protocol in force, under the supervision of the relevant departments.

This humanitarian operation was carried out in good conditions while observing the necessary precautionary measures, in collaboration with the competent Spanish authorities and in coordination with the embassy of the Kingdom in Madrid, Morocco’s Consul General in Seville, Charif Cherkaoui, told MAP.

Following the high Royal Instructions, priority was given to Moroccan seasonal workers stranded in the province of Huelva, in particular the most vulnerable ones who suffer from chronic diseases as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, he added.

On this occasion, several beneficiaries welcomed the good organization of this humanitarian operation, which took place in the best conditions, welcoming the efforts made in this regard by the Moroccan diplomatic representations in Spain.

A total of 30 flights were scheduled on 21-27 June for the repatriation of 4,644 Moroccans stranded in 17 countries.