The Ministry of Justice has interacted positively with a bill presented by the Socialist Group in the Chamber of Councillors to amend Article 15 of the Family Code. This article stipulates that “Moroccans, having contracted marriage in accordance with the local legislation of the country of residence, must deposit a copy of the marriage certificate, within three months from the date of its conclusion, at the Moroccan consular services of the place where the certificate is drawn up”.
Justice Minister Mohamed Ben Abdelkader welcomed the proposed law unanimously approved at a meeting Wednesday of the Justice, Legislation and Human Rights Committee in the House of Councillors, the ministry said.
Speaking during the discussion of this proposal, Ben Abdelkader recalled the provisions of Article 16 of the Constitution, stipulating that the Kingdom of Morocco works to protect the rights and legitimate interests of Moroccan citizens residing abroad, in compliance with international law and the laws in force in host countries.
The Government official expressed the Ministry’s determination to implement these constitutional provisions, affirming its commitment to the harmonisation of all legal texts with the requirements of the Constitution in coordination with the legislative institution.
Furthermore, the Minister did not fail to highlight the particular interest granted by HM King Mohammed VI to Moroccans residing abroad, recalling the Royal Directives addressed to the government to provide the necessary support and assistance to the Moroccan diaspora, notably in terms of the simplification of procedures and the approximation of administrative services in the host countries.
It is in this sense that the Ministry of Justice has responded favourably to this proposed law, said Ben Abdelkader, noting that it is part of the same strategy of the ministry to address the various problems faced by EMRs, including the establishment of a marriage contract in accordance with the laws of their host countries.
The Minister noted the maintenance of the provision stipulating that Moroccans who have contracted marriage in accordance with the local legislation of the country of residence, must deposit a copy of the marriage certificate, within three months from the date of its conclusion, at the Moroccan consular services of the place of establishment of the certificate. In addition, a copy of the marriage certificate may be deposited at the Moroccan consular services of the applicant’s place of residence.
The Socialist Group stated in the presentation note of the bill, that this amendment aims to harmonise the law with the constitutional provisions relating to Moroccan citizens residing abroad, the source concludes.
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