Algeria Resumes Visa Requirements for Moroccans, Accusing Neighbor of Criminal Activities
Algerian authorities have reinstated visa requirements for Moroccan nationals entering the country, citing abuse of visa-free entries for criminal activities. The move comes amidst escalating tensions between the two countries over the Western Sahara dispute.
Morocco has not yet responded to the decision, which marks a reversal of the visa entry requirements that were lifted about 20 years ago. The conflict over the Western Sahara, with Morocco claiming the territory as its own and Algeria supporting the Polisario Front's quest for independence, has strained relations between the two nations.
Algeria has accused Morocco of using visa-free entry to facilitate organized crime, drug and human trafficking, illegal immigration, and espionage. The Foreign Ministry statement also alleged that Morocco had sent spies with Moroccan passports to Algerian territory, although no evidence was provided to support these claims.
Diplomatic ties between Algeria and Morocco were severed in 2021, with Algeria accusing its neighbor of hostile actions, including support for separatist groups. The fallout led to a halt in the flow of a gas pipeline to Spain via Morocco, a ban on Moroccan aircraft in Algerian airspace, and a boycott of Moroccan ports.
Morocco has dismissed Algeria's accusations as baseless and unjustified, with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declaring in 2023 that relations with Morocco had reached a point of no return.
In conclusion, the resumption of visa requirements for Moroccans by Algeria highlights the deep-rooted tensions between the two countries. The accusations of criminal activities and espionage further exacerbate the strained relations, with potential implications for regional stability and security. Investors and individuals with financial interests in the region should monitor the situation closely for any potential impact on their investments and travel plans.