Moroccan Media: UAE Bans Moroccan Women from Entry Following Gang Rape Scandal
Moroccan media have reported that UAE authorities have decided to ban Moroccan women from entering the country, sending them back to Morocco upon arrival at UAE airports—even if they possess all the necessary documents and visas for entry. This decision comes in the wake of a recently exposed gang rape scandal.
According to sources cited by the Moroccan newspaper Al-Sabah, Moroccan women have presented documents proving the purpose of their visit, whether for work, training programs, study, or other legitimate activities. However, border police insisted on enforcing the decision and deported them back to Morocco.
The newspaper noted that this decision has caused shock and frustration among many of those who were expelled. Despite having valid visas and documents, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security upheld the decision without exception.
The report further explained that even though some Moroccan women provided evidence of their visit being for professional or educational purposes—supported by official documentation—UAE authorities disregarded these justifications and deemed the ban irreversible.
The newspaper also pointed out that sources attributed this sudden decision to unknown circumstances related to a social media post by a young woman claiming to be Moroccan. In the post, written in English, she described a harrowing experience of being brutally gang-raped by well-known figures after being lured with an offer to spend a night with a millionaire for $50,000.
Citing sources who witnessed the detentions and deportations, the report described the situation as distressing for many women, particularly those who had traveled for legitimate purposes with proper documentation. The treatment of Moroccan women at UAE airports was reportedly humiliating, drawing the attention and disapproval of fellow passengers due to its harsh and public nature.
The Moroccan newspaper criticized the blanket enforcement of this measure, stating that while a country has sovereign control over entry regulations, the sudden and sweeping ban contradicts the UAE’s 2021 Federal Decree-Law on the entry and residence of foreigners. Specifically, Article 10 of the law stipulates that visa cancellations must be justified by reasons related to public interest or legal violations.
