Scandal: Moroccan Expats Harassed At Border Crossings

: NEWS; 08/10/12

New York / Morocco News Board--- Police, Customs agents were Arrested Following Investigation Into Ill-Treatment Of Moroccan Expats
Morocco's king has ordered an investigation to be opened into corruption and harassment acts by police and customs agents at the country's border posts.

The investigation, which was launched following complaints by some Moroccan expatriates who were ill-treated during their crossing at several border posts. The initial investigation has led to the arrest of several police and customs agents.   

The statement from the authorities said that "those concerned will be brought to justice" adding that the King will follow up in person with this issue, which erodes the country's image, in order to prevent a repeat of such acts in the future.   

Each summer millions of Moroccans expats, living mostly in Europe, descend on the country for their yearly vacations. The king and Government have worked to to facilitate their journey, make them feel at home and tighten their relationship with their native country.
The Moroccans expats, who are estimated to be around four millions strong, ie: more than 10% of the population, represent an important source of foreign exchange and a critical factor in the country's economic development.

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Comments (7)

+5 #1 RE: Scandal: Moroccan Expats Harassed At Border Crossings — Morcelli 2012-08-10 21:23

Little gesture here little gesture there will not solve the problem of the hogra in Morocco.
Moroccans living abroad or in Morocco need more than a pity, they need the rule of law to be the rule.
The king cannot be the king and inspector gadget.

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+5 #2 $$$$.€€€€.££££. — sahrane 2012-08-11 23:51

I have one question ,what about the ones inside the borders?
oops sorry too bad too sad they don’t have what the regime badly need ,Hard currency.
But don’t worry the super king is coming to the rescue .

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+2 #3 Ing — Brahim99 2012-08-12 06:48

It's not a scandal but structural problem in Morocco. They are slow and let people wait and wait till u get crazy.Manpower enough when u see them wandering around like dogs, but WORK? No, thxs, they are looking for bribes.At borders crossing with Mellila and Ceuta its more humiliating,and i know its a policy of the government because they dont want YOU to cross from there. So this is only propaganda and nothing more.
Let them put camera's on the bordercrossing with melilla and show the the inland gendarmerie or Douanes where all that contrabande comes from?
Its sick-making ILL.

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+2 #4 Clever King — mbt 2012-08-13 13:06

Millions of Moroccans are harassed everyday up and down the country and do you thing the king is concern enough to raise even his eyebrow? You bet your dirham NOT. But border crossing is something different, different because it brings those expats who send lots of money and contribute to the Moroccan GDP by the ship load. So naturally the king is worried that expats must be welcomed with smiles and hugs and kisses and make them feel Moroccans in the homeland.

The king is not foolish he knows which side is his bread buttered and certainly when it comes to expats it is by billions, enough to buy every Moroccan a slice of bread, otherwise imagine the Palace had to support poor citizens in the welfare pay-outs?

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+2 #5 RE: Scandal: Moroccan Expats Harassed At Border Crossings — mbt 2012-08-13 13:11

It is a conundrum: who arrested the Police and Custom officials harassing the expats? Have they been charged, released pending trial? Did they offer bribes from handcuffed hands? Will they be losing their pensions? We need to ask the Palace.

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+2 #6 RE: Scandal: Moroccan Expats Harassed At Border Crossings — Tijani 2012-08-14 17:11

This thread portrays an issue that is exactly the essence of my rant in one other thread. Uncertainty.
Uncertainty fueled by the randomness in the application of the rule of law. And that's why the Moroccan society does not make sense.
:) :) :)

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+1 #7 Trailer — Bill Bailey 2012-08-19 05:43

While they are investigating perhaps also take a good look at the treatment and hassle VISITORS endure at the various border crossings [Ceuta!!!!]. Fisrt impressions of Morocco.......I t could not be worse and is one that gets talked about time and again on forums etc. Perhaps that is the way you [Moroccans] want it......keeps the tourist away.

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