Mauritian Couple’s Newborn Left Stateless Due to Bureaucratic Passport Snag
VACOAS, Mauritius: At Glen-Park, Vacoas, Ally Mumtouza Ramjaun and his Moroccan wife, Belbakri, face a bureaucratic nightmare since their son’s birth on April 9, 2025, at Victoria Hospital, Candos. Unable to register their newborn due to Belbakri’s expired passport, the couple is stuck, as authorities refuse to process the birth declaration.
Despite their legal marriage in Mauritius and Belbakri’s residency since 2019, the expired document halts progress. Without registration, their child lacks a legal identity, blocking access to healthcare, education, and administrative services. “It’s like he wasn’t born,” Ally lamented. Efforts to resolve the issue with the civil status office have failed, prompting frustration.
A civil law expert argues the child’s right to an identity should override administrative hurdles, urging authorities to assist rather than obstruct. The family remains in limbo, unable to secure their son’s fundamental rights.Quote: “The right of the child to an identity is superior to an administrative detail.” – Civil law Attorney.