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Cote d’Ivoire Implements Temporary Visa Rule for Travel to Morocco

Cote d’Ivoire Implements Temporary Visa Rule for Travel to Morocco
Thursday 15 August 2024 - 16:15
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In a strategic move to curb irregular migration and address identity fraud, Cote d’Ivoire has announced a temporary visa requirement for its citizens traveling to Morocco. Effective September 1, this measure will be in place for a trial period of two years, targeting holders of ordinary Ivorian passports.

The decision, coordinated with Moroccan authorities, aims to tackle the rising tide of migrants using North African countries as transit points to reach Mediterranean shores. According to a statement from Cote d’Ivoire’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, profiling by host countries and Ivorian embassies has revealed that many individuals falsely claim Ivorian citizenship.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry highlighted that only a small fraction of the 14,800 migrants presenting themselves as Ivorian in Lampedusa were genuine nationals. This temporary suspension of visa exemption does not affect Moroccan citizens traveling to Cote d’Ivoire or Ivorians with diplomatic or service passports. Exemptions also apply to holders of Moroccan residence permits and visas from the Schengen area, UAE, US, or Canada.

This initiative underscores Cote d’Ivoire's commitment to managing migration effectively while ensuring genuine travelers are not hindered.


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