Dozens of Travelers Banned Despite Valid Documents
A new episode of diplomatic tension? In recent days, several Moroccan women have been turned away at Dubai Airport despite holding valid visas and proper travel documents. According to the daily newspaper Assabah, these women were subjected to thorough interrogations before being sent back to Morocco, with no clear explanation from the Emirati authorities.
These denials have caused significant outrage in Morocco, where the public is questioning the real motives behind this decision. Some of the affected travelers claim to have provided all necessary evidence to justify their visit, whether for professional, academic, or tourist purposes.
However, Emirati immigration authorities remained inflexible, systematically banning these passengers from entry.
Link to a Collective Rape Case?
Several sources suggest that this wave of rejections might be linked to a viral video recently shared on social media. In the video, a young woman identifying herself as Moroccan claims to have been a victim of gang rape in Dubai after being lured there under the pretense of a lucrative, luxurious party.
This testimony, which stirred strong emotions, appears to have prompted the Emirati authorities to take drastic measures, suspecting any Moroccan woman arriving alone or in groups. However, no official statement has confirmed this hypothesis, leading to a wave of speculation and outrage over the stigmatization of Moroccan women in the UAE.
Troubling Silence from Moroccan Authorities
Faced with this disturbing situation, there has been no official response from the Moroccan government. This silence contrasts with the scale of the rejections and the discomfort they are causing.
For some observers, this lack of response might be explained by the extended stay of King Mohammed VI in the UAE, where he has been for several weeks. The Spanish daily El Confidencial, cited by Tout sur l’Algรฉrie (TSA), reported that the Moroccan monarch is currently in Abu Dhabi, leaving day-to-day governance to his son and a small circle of advisors.
This situation raises questions: why are Moroccan authorities slow to react to such an infringement on the freedom of movement of their citizens? Some analysts believe Rabat might be trying to avoid a diplomatic crisis with its strategic ally, preferring to handle the matter behind the scenes rather than risk a public confrontation with Dubai.
A Passing Crisis or a Hardening of Entry Conditions?
If the issue escalates, it could mark a turning point in the relationship between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, already strained by several geopolitical disputes. The issue of Western Sahara, where the UAE has expressed support for Morocco, remains a sensitive file that could influence Morocco’s stance.
In this context, these mass rejections seem more like a warning shot than a general policy. It remains to be seen whether this restrictive policy will be upheld or if the Emirati authorities will reconsider under diplomatic pressure.
In the meantime, many Moroccan travelers now fear being denied entry to the UAE, despite having valid documents and no clear reasons given for the denials.
An uncertainty that highlights the increasingly complex regional contextโฆ.