France to open visa application center in largest city in Sahara

France plans to open a visa application center in Laayoune,the largest city in the Sahara territory,which Paris has recognized as part of Morocco,French ambassador to Rabat said.

“We are truly committed to implementing all measures to allow Moroccan citizens residing in Laâyoune,Dakhla,or any other city to access the visa procedure and apply for a visa under the same conditions as those living in Agadir or Marrakech. This will be the case starting next month,” Ambassador Christophe Lecourtier told Moroccan media.

Since President Emmanuel Macron’s letter to the King recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara,relations between the two countries have improved between the two countries at all levels.

Macron’s visit to Morocco in October 2024 was followed by a first visit by the French ambassador to the Sahara territory,which was also visited by Culture minister Rachida Dati and head of the French Senate Gérard Larcher.