Morocco denies such information”underlines the Moroccan Embassy in kyiv in a clarification, following information conveyed by the media evoking contacts between Morocco and the “self-proclaimed republic of Donesk”. “This entity is not recognized by our country or the United Nations”, reiterates the embassy. Therefore, “there can be no official or unofficial contact for the Moroccan State with an entity of this nature”supports focus.
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Revitalization of the tourism sector:
Morocco will issue electronic visas for 49 countries on July 10
Morocco will launch electronic visas on July 10 for foreigners from 49 countries. This is in order to boost its tourism sector, Moroccan government spokesman Mustapha Baitas said on Thursday.
During a press briefing, Baitas pointed out that “foreigners who want to visit Morocco no longer have to go to consulates to collect a paper visa”. The electronic visa has a duration of 30 days and can be extended up to six months with multiple entries to Morocco. Foreigners from 49 countries will be able to apply for electronic visas through an online platform run by the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Approved individuals can expect to receive their e-visas after 24 or 72 hours. The new electronic visa system has three main categories. The first concerns foreigners who have resided in the European Union, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Switzerland, New Zealand and Australia for at least 180 days.
The second category is for foreigners from the United States, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand with a Schengen visa valid for a minimum period of 90 days.
Other countries such as Thailand and Israel will also be able to benefit from electronic visas within the third category. The tax rights of the e-visa have not yet been revealed. The new measure is part of Morocco’s efforts to revive the tourism industry and promote the country as a top tourist destination. Tourism is a key sector of the Moroccan economy and has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is estimated to have made an economic contribution of around $8 billion in 2021, according to data from Statistica. Tourist arrivals have also seen an unprecedented drop of 71% in 2021 compared to the pre-pandemic period. Tourism’s share of the country’s GDP stood at 7% last year as the sector continued to suffer heavy impacts due to Covid-19 and the Moroccan government’s travel ban.
After years of constant border closures, Morocco lifted the travel ban on February 7. The government further eased travel restrictions through Operation Marhaba 2022 in May, an initiative facilitating the return of the Moroccan diaspora for summer holidays.
Source: Today-Mali