COVID-19 - Q&A from the press briefing (16 Mar. 20)

Q: How many French citizens are still “stuck” in foreign countries and asking to return home due to the COVID-19 epidemic? Which are the countries in question? Can you also review the situation in Morocco?

A: The appropriate government agencies, our embassies and our consulates worldwide are mobilizing all their efforts and, in conjunction with local authorities, are closely monitoring the situation of our citizens in order to facilitate their return to the greatest possible degree.

With respect to Morocco, Jean-Yves Le Drian has spoken several times since Friday with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, to facilitate the return of our compatriots stranded in Morocco. The Moroccan authorities have been understanding and have given the necessary authorization to organize commercial return flights. Since yesterday, some 40 commercial flights to France were leaving from several Moroccan cities and others will follow so that those of our citizens who wish to return to France may do so. Our embassy in Morocco and the Crisis and Support Center of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs are fully mobilized to serve our fellow citizens.