Libyan-Moroccan families struggle amid Kingdom's strict visa policies

Libyan citizens married to Moroccan women are calling for changes to Morocco’s strict visa policies, which they say are straining their family ties and creating significant personal hardships.

Since Morocco imposed visa requirements for Libyan nationals in 2014, many have struggled to visit their Moroccan in-laws. The policy, introduced after reports of forged Libyan passports, has drawn criticism from Libyans married to Moroccans, who argue that the rules unfairly penalize them despite their familial connections.

Abdellah El Qadi, a 79-year-old Libyan father of six, described the situation as “unreasonable.” “Why is it so difficult for someone whose wife and children are Moroccan citizens to get a visa?” he asked. El Qadi, who was previously a legal resident in Morocco, said authorities refused to renew his residency permit.

He added that his son is studying in Morocco, but because of visa restrictions, they are forced to meet in third countries like Egypt or Libya. The lack of direct flights between Libya and Morocco also complicates matters, increasing travel costs for Moroccan residents in Libya.

Wael Saad, another Libyan married to a Moroccan woman, said his wife has not been able to visit her family in Morocco for years. “She couldn’t even attend her mother’s funeral,” he said. Saad noted that cultural norms in Libya discourage women from traveling alone, which makes the restrictions even more challenging for families.

The calls for change gained momentum this week after Abdullah Al-Masri, head of the Libyan House of Representatives’ office, met with Morocco’s Consul General in Benghazi. Al-Masri urged Morocco to facilitate visa issuance for Libyans and to resume direct flights between the two countries.

The Moroccan community in Libya has also expressed concern about the visa policies, which they say worsen their living conditions amid rising tensions. Calls to expel Moroccans from Libya in retaliation have added to the pressure.

Critics argue that Morocco’s security concerns, while valid, should not result in blanket restrictions. “It’s understandable to enforce measures to protect national security,” Saad said. “But it’s unfair to treat all Libyans as potential threats, especially those married to Moroccans who have a history of traveling without issues.”

Advocates are urging Moroccan authorities to create exceptions for Libyan spouses of Moroccan citizens, arguing that such measures are necessary to preserve family unity and prevent further strain on these cross-national families.