DOS Adoption Notice: Morocco

On July 25, the Moroccan newspaper Akhbar al-Youm (Today’s News) published a story on Justice Minister Mostafa Rahmid’s views on the granting of kafala (guardianship) to non-Muslim, non-resident foreigners. The article quotes Minister Rahmid as saying that he has decided to “stop granting guardianship of Moroccan children to foreign families”, insisting that “guardianship of abandoned children is for Muslims, and foreign Muslims residing in Morocco.” The Minister subsequently stated that kafala guardianship would only be considered for those foreign families who are long-term residents in Morocco.

The status of pending kafala petitions by U.S. citizens is unclear.

U.S. citizens wishing to obtain kafala of Moroccan children should be aware that is unclear at this time whether the courts will accept new kafala petitions.

Please continue to monitor adoption.state.gov for updated information.