Challenges Faced by Moroccan Green Card Holders in Gibraltar
In a recent development, Moroccan residents of Gibraltar, who hold the Gibraltar Green Card, have encountered significant challenges while attempting to exit the territory. These challenges stem from new travel regulations that were introduced as part of the agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union regarding Gibraltar. Despite the new rules allowing legal residents of Gibraltar to transit through the Schengen zone without a visa, the implementation of these regulations has not been adequately communicated to some Moroccan authorities, leading to confusion and obstacles for travelers.
Following the implementation of the new travel agreement on July 15, Moroccan nationals residing in Gibraltar can now traverse Spain to return to Morocco or visit the Rock without the need for a Schengen visa. Previously, they were required to secure this visa for any travel that involved passing through Spain. This recent change permits all legal residents of Gibraltar, regardless of nationality, to travel freely between Gibraltar and Morocco via Spanish airports and ports, provided they present their passport and residency documentation. However, the Gibraltar government has acknowledged that this information has not yet reached the relevant Moroccan authorities, causing difficulties for some travelers during their departures, as noted by Gibraltar's Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, during a city hall ceremony.
Efforts to Clarify New Travel Exemptions
The Gibraltar government is currently in discussions with Moroccan officials to ensure that the exemption from visa requirements is clearly recognized and understood. As of now, there are no official figures available regarding the number of individuals affected or the specific nature of the incidents faced by travelers. An official notice issued on July 15 has confirmed that Schengen countries no longer require short-stay visas from individuals legally residing in Gibraltar, including those from countries typically subject to visa requirements, such as Morocco and India. Furthermore, another notice emphasizes that holders of Gibraltar identity cards or civil registration cards must continue to travel with their passports.
It is important to note that the new visa exemption does not apply to Moroccans living in Morocco who wish to visit family in Gibraltar; these individuals are still required to obtain a Schengen visa when traveling through Spain. The Gibraltar government has reiterated this point in a notice aimed at Moroccan families planning to visit. Additionally, the shift in regulations has resulted in the discontinuation of the direct ferry service between Gibraltar and Morocco, which previously allowed travelers to reach Gibraltar without transiting through Spanish territory and thus bypassing the Schengen border. This ferry service, operated by DFDS and subsidized by local authorities, was deemed less necessary following the new visa arrangements, since Gibraltar residents can now easily access Spanish ports without the need for a visa. Chief Minister Picardo has assured that the termination of this ferry service does not signify the end of relations between Gibraltar and Morocco but rather a change in the travel modalities between the two regions. John Cortes, the Gibraltar minister responsible for relations with Morocco, has also expressed optimism about the advancements made in fostering human and institutional ties with the Kingdom.
As reported by medias24.com.
