A Moroccan national, born in 1992, has won an administrative appeal against the French government after his residency card renewal was refused because he married in Morocco. The man, who holds a residence permit valid until November 2032, married a Moroccan woman born in 1996 in October 2023. His wife also holds a valid French residence permit.
The French administration argued that the marriage, contracted in Morocco, was not recognized under French law because it was not registered with French authorities. However, the administrative court ruled that the marriage was valid under Moroccan law and that the refusal to renew the residency card was unjustified.
The court's decision, reported by Bladi.net, highlights the legal complexities faced by binational couples. The man's lawyer argued that the administration's interpretation was overly restrictive and violated the right to family life under European law.
As a result of the ruling, the French authorities must reconsider the man's residency application. The case sets a precedent for similar situations involving marriages contracted abroad.
