Travel to morocco with children

I would not take the risk.

I would not take the risk. If your kids are kept here it would be very difficult to ever get them out.

@Bill Shepherd so u think this possible right ? Even with all protection from uk

Monikam,

What passport(s)/nationality (or nationalities) do your children have? What passport(s)/nationality (or nationalities) do you have?

Anyway, I am sorry but the UK courts have no jurisdiction outside of the UK. If by Moroccan (and Islamic) law you need permission from the father of your children for them to travel/leave Morocco - and you do not have that permission - then I can see you being prevented from leaving Morocco with your children. I do not want to scare you but maybe you might even be detained for attempting to leave with your children without this permission.

Even if somehow your children were afforded some sort of protection by a UK court order and/or 'international law' it would take a long, long time - and a lot of money - to sort it out here in Morocco if you did indeed have a problem. When I say a lot of time I mean months, maybe a year, and when I say a lot of money I mean thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars.

My advice, I am afraid, is to NOT take the risk. Sorry, but in English we say it is better to be safe than to be sorry.

Thank you for msg. Kids got polish passports

Well, that is another complicating factor. The UK courts do not have any jurisdiction in Morocco, especially not over Polish citizens in Morocco.

Sorry I can't be more positive, but I personally would not risk it.

Well, that is another complicating factor. The UK courts do not have any jurisdiction in Morocco, especially not over Polish citizens in Morocco.

Sorry I can't be more positive, but I personally would not risk it.

@m0nikam

Yes, children with European passports can be kept in Morocco by a Moroccan father if the child is considered a Moroccan citizen:

Citizenship

Children born to a Moroccan father are considered Moroccan citizens.

Leaving Morocco

Children with U.S. passports who are born to a Moroccan father may have difficulty leaving Morocco without the father's permission, even if the parents are divorced.

Traveling to Morocco

Minors traveling with their father and mother must have a valid passport or be included on their parents' passport. They should also bring a family record book or birth certificate to prove parentage.

Residency

Minors living in Morocco without a residence card need a "relocation document" to reside lawfully.

Morocco is a party to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which aims to return abducted children to their country of habitual residence. The UK has also ratified the convention, so it applies to child abductions between the UK and Morocco.

@m0nikam Not worth the risk of you losing your children. Wait until they're grown up, if they want to visit Morocco.

Hi,
I hope someone can help, I am europian nationality ,I have divorse with moroccan man ,we married in morocco but live in uk,
we both live in UK and our 3 children was born here, due to domestic abuse I have court order kids stay with me and father can't even contact them and I don't need father consent to travel as well.
My good will I let him see kids anyway in uk ,
My kids have mix eurpoan and uk passport and never had moroccan,
I am muslim and my kids too, so I was so scared to travel to morocco becuz I know in morocco kids belong to father is diffrent law there and not sure if he register divorse there or put any ban there
I would love show my kids moroccan culture and they can see real mosq etc.
I want to know if is save for me to go there , I don't want my kids be kept in morocco, I know here in uk he can be arrested for kids abduction, and I am protected here and Europe, and also hague convention between morocco and uk but still worried can anyone advise please , I need consederite worse,
I used to travel a lot to morocco but over 8 years I didn't visit as I as worried,
Is court order from uk apply in morocco for example they ask in airport about father consent can I show them paper from uk
Thx for any advise - @m0nikam

Travelling to Morocco with your children after your divorce can understandably raise concerns, especially given the differences in family law between Morocco and the UK. Here are some key points to help you assess the situation and make an informed decision:

1. Parental Custody in Morocco

Morocco follows Islamic family law, which can differ significantly from UK law. Generally, under Moroccan law, the father has certain rights over children, and custody issues may not align perfectly with foreign court orders. However, the mother often retains primary custody of young children, especially if they are very young or still need maternal care.

2. Court Orders from the UK in Morocco

While Morocco is not fully bound by UK custody orders, the Hague Convention on Child Abduction (to which both Morocco and the UK are signatories) provides some protections. If the children were wrongfully retained in Morocco, you could invoke the Hague Convention to request their return. However, the process can take time, and it’s crucial to be cautious since the enforcement of foreign court orders isn’t always straightforward in Morocco

3. Father’s Consent and Travel Restrictions

Since you mentioned that you have a court order stating that the father has no contact rights and that you don’t need his consent to travel, this is a strong document. However, Moroccan authorities may not automatically recognise it at the airport. To mitigate this, bring certified copies of the UK court order, ideally translated into French or Arabic, which can be helpful if questioned at Moroccan border control

4. Risk of Retention in Morocco

Even with these documents, there is still some risk, as custody disputes in Morocco could differ from those in the UK. While the children have European and UK passports and not Moroccan ones, ensuring they remain with you throughout your stay is vital. If you have any doubt about whether your ex-husband has registered the children or taken legal action in Morocco, it might be worth consulting with a lawyer who specialises in Moroccan family law before travelling.

5. Precautionary Steps

    •    Consult the British Embassy in Morocco: They can advise on procedures and offer support if needed.

    •    Seek Legal Advice: It may be wise to consult with a family lawyer in Morocco beforehand to ensure there are no unexpected legal obstacles.

    •    Document Check: Carry certified and translated copies of all relevant legal documents, including the court order, and ensure your children’s passports are in order with no restrictions.

Conclusion

While there are legal protections through the Hague Convention, and your children’s lack of Moroccan citizenship reduces certain risks, the situation requires careful preparation. Travelling with all relevant legal paperwork and consulting with the British Embassy and a local lawyer are prudent steps to ensure your visit goes smoothly.

I hope this helps, and I wish you and your children a safe and enriching experience if you decide to travel to Morocco.

Regards,

Arif Esa

Sorry only just seen the comments about having Polish Passport. The situation would generally be the same if your children have Polish passports, as Poland is also a member of the Hague Convention on Child Abduction. This international treaty provides some protections by allowing you to request the return of your children if they are unlawfully retained in Morocco, though the process can still be complex .

Key Points to Consider with Polish Passports:

    1.    Legal Status and Travel

Having EU passports, such as Polish ones, still helps facilitate travel and provides protections within Europe. However, once in Morocco, local laws apply, and Moroccan authorities may not automatically recognise UK or EU custody orders.

    2.    Importance of Legal Documentation

Even though your children have Polish and UK passports, Moroccan border control may still ask about travel permission from the father. Carry certified copies of your UK court order translated into French or Arabic to show that you have sole custody and do not need the father’s consent  .

    3.    Hague Convention Protections

Since both the UK and Poland are signatories to the Hague Convention, you can request assistance through the Polish or UK authorities in case of any retention issues. The treaty focuses on the wrongful retention of children across borders, but it is important to note that the process may take time if invoked.

    4.    Precautionary Steps

    •    Consult the British and Polish Embassies in Morocco for guidance and additional legal support.

    •    Speak with a Moroccan Family Lawyer beforehand to ensure no issues arise from local laws, especially concerning the father’s custody rights.

    •    Carry your children’s passports and court documents at all times during the visit to avoid unnecessary complications.

Conclusion

The safeguards provided by EU citizenship, combined with the Hague Convention protections, should give you some peace of mind. However, Moroccan law might still present challenges. Proper preparation, including consulting embassies and legal experts, will help you mitigate risks and ensure a smooth visit to Morocco.

I hope this clarifies your concerns.

Regards,

Arif Esa