Casablanca – Morocco’s Foreign Ministry says it has begun assisting citizens stranded in the Gulf and wider Middle East, after MP Naima Elfathaoui sent a letter on March 5 urging urgent evacuation measures, warning that Moroccans in war-torn countries are facing dangerous conditions and struggling to return home.
In a written response dated March 18, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said that the ministry had activated a crisis unit working around the clock with embassies and consulates in the region.
Elfathaoui said those on the ground, including residents and tourists, were dealing with serious risks. Some had trouble accessing basic services, while others were unable to leave as travel routes became increasingly limited.
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She also pointed to a warning issued by the US State Department on March 2, urging its citizens to leave 14 countries in the region using available commercial transport.
The list included Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Bourita explained that officials have been in direct contact with Moroccan nationals, answering questions and guiding them on possible exit routes. Several citizens have already managed to leave, either through land crossings or by flights scheduled as conditions allowed.
Departures were facilitated via Saudi Arabia or through flights operated by the Moroccan airline Royal Air Maroc.
The ministry said it will continue providing support to Moroccans abroad as the situation develops.
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