Algeria Introduces Visa Requirements for Moroccan Citizens, Citing Security Issues
In a development that heightens tensions between Algeria and Morocco, Algeria has announced that it will require visas for Moroccan nationals. This move follows allegations from Algeria that Morocco has been involved in criminal activities within its territory, including "Zionist espionage" and various organized crimes like drug and human trafficking, smuggling, and illegal immigration.
According to a statement from Algeria's official news agency, APS, Morocco's actions have posed a threat to Algeria's stability and have allowed "Zionist espionage agents holding Moroccan passports" to enter the country. This announcement comes on the heels of the arrest of seven individuals, four of whom are Moroccan, in Tlemcen, Algeria, for their alleged involvement in a spy ring.
Diplomatic relations between the two nations have been tense since August 2021, when Algeria severed ties with Morocco, citing "hostile acts" from its neighbor. This decision followed Morocco's normalization of relations with Israel, which occurred after former U.S. President Donald Trump recognized Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara.