A group of 137 Sudanese migrants returned home from Casablanca on Friday in the first voluntary return flight organized for Sudanese nationals in an irregular situation, according to Sudan’s ambassador.
The operation was carried out at Mohammed V International Airport in coordination between the authorities and the Sudanese embassy.
Sudanese Ambassador Mawada Omar Hageltoam El Badawi told MAP that the flight would allow the returnees to go home and contribute to reconstruction and development efforts.
She thanked King Mohammed VI, the government and the Moroccan people for helping organize the operation.
El Badawi said the return was made possible by cooperation with the authorities and pointed to the country’s experience in handling migration, particularly its emphasis on the treatment and dignity of migrants.
The voluntary return program forms part of the Kingdom’s migration and asylum policy. Alongside programs to regularize the status of migrants, it has facilitated the return of thousands of people wishing to go back to their countries of origin.
One of the returnees, identified as Youssef, also thanked the authorities for facilitating the journey.
“We sincerely thank the King, the government and the Moroccan people for the warm welcome they gave us,” he said, adding that the return would allow them “to contribute to [Sudan’s] reconstruction and development.”
