British Embassy warns Brits about Labour Day.

Please be aware this post does not reflect the views of The View from Fez, but that of the British Embassy.

Please be aware that there are likely to be large scale demonstrations in Moroccan towns and cities this Friday, Labour Day. The crowds at last year's event were the largest for several years. Although they were mainly peaceful then, it's possible that the protests could turn ugly given the failure of the Social Dialogue with the Government and Employers Federation, union anger over the (postponed) Highway Code, and especially rising unemployment (although lower food prices may offset union/employee discontent to a degree). The unions are also likely to want to make a point ahead of June's municipal elections.

British Citizens should therefore take sensible precautions and avoid large crowds, marches, movements of people this Friday. In Rabat, please avoid Place Bab el Had (Avenue Hassan II), Place Bab el Rouah (Avenue ennasser), Parliament and the central railway station. In Casablanca, Avenue des FAR has traditionally been a focal point for demonstrations.

This will also be reflected in our travel advice at www.fco.gov.uk

Best Regards

Glyn Cartmell
HM Consul
British Embassy
Rabat

Tel: +212 (0)537 633333
Fax: +212 (0)537 633366
Mobile: +212 (0)661 200066
FTN: 8387 1000
E-mail: glyn.cartmell@fco.gov.uk
www.ukinmorocco.fco.gov.uk


Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news