Spain requires reciprocity to open borders with Morocco

Spain said that it will only open borders with Morocco if the latter allows people from Spain enter its territories.

The condition, which was also imposed on Algeria and China, comes after the EU listed Morocco among 15 countries whose nationals can access Schengen space.

The Spanish insistence on reciprocity means that the millions of Moroccans in Europe that used to cross the country to reach Morocco will have to reconsider road trips to their homeland this year.

Analysts deem the Spanish position as a reaction to Morocco’s decision to maintain borders with the two occupied enclaves of Ceuta and Mellila closed in a decision that aims to avert the coronavirus outbreak and also crackdown on contraband.

Spain is the fifth country in the world with largest coronavirus cases at 297,625 including 28,385 deaths.

Morocco’s Foreign Minister told MPs recently that the transit operation of millions from Europe to Morocco will not take place this year as there has been no preparation or agreement with Spanish authorities.