Morocco denounces Netherlands, Belgium for political opportunism regarding dual nationals

Morocco condemned in the strongest terms the political opportunism showed by Dutch diplomacy in dealing with dual nationals, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said.

Addressing a Parliamentary Committee on Thursday, Bourita made it clear that Moroccans with dual nationality are enjoying full rights and do not need any custodianship from other countries.

Morocco rejects the discriminatory practices suffered by its nationals living in the Netherlands and Belgium and does not object to their return to Europe for professional or family considerations, said the minister.

He deplored that the Netherlands had been allowed to repatriate its nationals, organizing 30 flights that all excluded dual nationals, wondering how Dutch authorities can claim to defend the rights of Moroccans after such discrimination.

Part of its precautionary measures to limit the spread of coronavirus, Morocco had suspended on March 15 all international passenger flights, leaving thousands of tourists stranded in the country.

The following days, however, Morocco facilitated over 500 repatriation flights for the benefit of approximately 80,000 foreign citizens.

The Moroccan diaspora is estimated at 450,000 in the Netherlands and 500,000 in Belgium.