A visa waiver under discussion between Morocco and Israel

Since 2022, there has been a significant rapprochement between Morocco and Israel, notably due to Israel's recognition of Moroccan ownership of Western Sahara. This trend is reflected in a significant increase in the number of Moroccan tourists visiting the Hebrew state. More than 2,000 Moroccan citizens visited Israel in the first half of 2023, an increase of 66% compared to the same period in 2022.according toAbraham Accords for Peace Institute.

Towards visa-free travel for Moroccans

In order to further strengthen religious, cultural and tourist exchanges between the two countries, a visa waiver project for Moroccan citizens is under discussion. Meir Masri, a fervent supporter of this initiative, declared in a tweet: "It's shameful and unacceptable for a European or a Russian to enter Israel without a visa and to ask our Moroccan brothers for an entry visa."In November 2021, this Labor Party member of parliament tabled a bill in the Knesset to facilitate Moroccans' access to Israel.

Direct flights between the two countries

The normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel has also led to the introduction of direct flights between the two countries, attracting more Israeli tourists to Morocco. Daniel, a Moroccan-Israeli guide, explains that he is making more and more return trips to accompany groups of Israelis to discover the Cherifian kingdom.

What are the benefits of standardization?

This improvement in relations between the two nations has several advantages:

• Tourism development : Visa exemptions and direct flights encourage travel between the two countries, boosting their respective economies.
• Cultural exchange : Cross-visits by Moroccan and Israeli citizens enable them to discover and appreciate each other's cultures, contributing to a better understanding between peoples.
• Peacebuilding: This rapprochement can serve as a model for other countries in the region, showing that peaceful and fruitful relations can be established despite political and religious differences.

• Israel
• Morocco

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