Morocco on Thursday introduced new set of rules affecting African travelers coming into the country.
Travelers will now be required to fill out an online travel form for approval. That must take place at least 96 hours before leaving their home country.
Local media reports that the move is to check the influx of African migrants using the north African country as a route to Europe.
The new rule applies to citizens from all African countries excerpt those from Algeria and Tunisia. Even citizens from countries that do not need Visa to travel to Morocco have been affected.
Reuters reports that details of the new rules stated that this will “facilitate passenger traffic” and “will help Moroccan authorities know in advance the identity of travellers before boarding (planes).”
Most African migrants continue to embark on dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean to reach Europe for greener pastures.
North African countries like Libya and Morocco have become the best routes for these migrants. There have been reports of deaths during such journeys.
Morocco is hoping the latest rule will reduce the influx of these migrants.
Source: Africafeeds.com