Franco-Moroccan political détente… issues that require reciprocity

Heba Press / Rabat

Moroccan-French relations have seen a notable improvement in recent months, which is directly reflected in the Moroccans’ “visa file”, after having experienced several problems in recent years.

According to reports, France approved 11.8% of visa applications submitted by Moroccans to European Union countries, with an approval rate of 81.3% for 251,950 visas granted.

Paris also granted 134,153 “multiple entry” visas to Moroccans over the past year, a rate of more than 52 percent.

Former Moroccan parliamentarian Jamal Benchekroun believes that the recent political and diplomatic breakthrough between the two countries has been directly reflected in several issues.

He added that relations have historically had periods of divergence, but they are deep in tourism, economics and other aspects.

Benchekroun believes that “Morocco opens entry to the French without a visa, which is not in accordance with the principle of “reciprocity”, which requires reviewing this aspect.”

He stressed that the percentage of visas granted to Moroccans is expected to increase in the coming period, especially since France greatly benefits from manpower and expertise in many fields, and Moroccans also benefit from many subsidies there.