First Voluntary Return Flight Marks a New Beginning for Sudanese Nationals
In a significant move aimed at facilitating the return of its citizens, the Sudanese Embassy in Rabat organized the inaugural voluntary return flight for Sudanese nationals residing in Morocco on Friday. This initiative, themed "Return Home for Reconstruction," symbolizes a crucial step in reconnecting Sudanese individuals with their homeland following the recent turmoil.
The operation received substantial financial and logistical support from Moroccan authorities, which proved instrumental in ensuring a seamless departure process. The first group of returnees boarded a specialized flight operated by Badr Airlines, which departed from Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca and headed to Port Sudan International Airport. To facilitate this journey, buses were arranged to transport the passengers from the Sudanese Embassy in Rabat, serving as the primary assembly point, to the airport.
Present at the airport to see off the group were Sudanese Ambassador to Morocco, Mawada Omar Haj Al-Toum, along with other embassy staff. They closely monitored the departure procedures, ensuring that everything went smoothly until the plane took to the skies. In her remarks, Ambassador Al-Toum expressed her gratitude towards King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan government, and the Moroccan populace for their unwavering support. She highlighted the essential logistical assistance provided by Moroccan authorities, which played a pivotal role in the successful departure of the first group of returnees.
Al-Toum emphasized that the commencement of these voluntary return flights reflects a positive turning point in the restoration of security and stability within Sudan. She further noted the vital contributions that returning young Sudanese could make towards the reconstruction efforts in their home country. This operation is part of a broader initiative by Sudanese authorities to facilitate the return of their citizens overseas, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict that erupted in April 2023.
Throughout various nations, Sudanese officials have been actively promoting voluntary return programs, collaborating with airlines, embassies, and other organizations to organize flights and manage travel costs and documentation. In June, Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamil Idris expressed the government's commitment to easing the voluntary return process for Sudanese citizens living abroad. A meeting convened that month included discussions with representatives from Sudanese airlines, including Badr Aviation, to strategize direct flight options and other logistical arrangements for returnees.
To further support this initiative, the government announced in August that it had prepared a special travel document for participants in the voluntary return program. Additionally, officials from passport and civil registry departments were scheduled to assist returnees in completing their necessary documentation prior to travel.
Moreover, the Sudanese Embassy in Rabat acknowledged the crucial role played by Moroccan security authorities and the management of Mohammed V Airport in ensuring that the first group of returnees completed their departure with dignity and efficiency.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
