As Spain refuses to renew the humanitarian residence permit of self-proclaimed human rights activist and separatist Aminatou Haidar, she will soon no longer be allowed to set foot on Spanish soil, said Moroccan political analyst and academic researcher Said Ida Hassan.
This move is a consequence of violating the humanitarian residence law by spending an extended time outside the Spanish territory, while Spain’s law is clear about residence card acquisition, as the owner should spend at least 6 months inside the country.
Aminatou Haidar revealed the Spanish government’s decision not to renew her residence permit on her own initiative at the “International Sahrawi Film Festival” (FISahara) in Madrid.
The political analyst said it is the case of many other “militants” who defraud the Spanish law; instead of receiving political asylum, they call for “a humanitarian residence” to benefit from healthcare, but they abuse their rights to promote their “cause” politically.
The “militants” benefit from the health system, yes, but they practice their political activities, including collecting aid, or various anti-Moroccan activities.
Since 2007, Haidar has renewed her temporary residence permit every year, benefiting from the complacency of successive Spanish governments.
The former Spanish government went with the flow and used this to apply pressure on Morocco, contrary to Sanchez’ stance in trying to put an end to this “charade,” he added.
The Polisario Front wants to use this case to exert political pressure on Pedro Sánchez’s government, and calls to appeal the decision, Ida Hassan explained.
Haidar has been in Spain illegally since November, and her arrest is more likely than ever.
In early 2022, Aminatou Haidar, who tested positive for Covid-19, was prevented on January 27 from boarding a Royal Air Maroc flight to Casablanca at Hassan I airport in Laâyoune.
The political analyst said that Haider’s lawyer Fatima Ahmed Salim–known for her anti-Moroccan political activism–acknowledged in press statements that Aminatou Hader had been out of the Spanish territory for more than the period allowed by law.
The more the polisario puts pressure on the Sánchez government in this direction, the more likely is the deterioration of ties, concluded the specialist.