Paris, France – Omar Bin Laden, the 43-year-old son of former al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, has been permanently barred from returning to France, the country’s interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, announced. The decision comes after allegations that Bin Laden glorified terrorism in social media posts last year.
Omar, who had resided in Normandy, northern France, and made a living as a landscape artist, left the country in 2023 after French authorities revoked his residency permit for two years. The revocation followed posts marking the anniversary of his father’s death, which French officials deemed supportive of terrorism.
Bin Laden, who had lived in France since 2016 through his marriage to UK citizen Zaina Mohamed Al-Sabah, was expelled to Qatar, where he had previously lived with his wife. His residency permit had originally been secured through this marriage.
Retailleau’s order now permanently bars Omar Bin Laden from entering France “for any reason whatsoever.” The minister, known for his tough stance on political Islam and immigration, made the announcement following his recent appointment under conservative Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
Born in Saudi Arabia, Omar is the fourth-oldest son of Osama Bin Laden. In the past, he distanced himself from his father’s violent extremism, leaving jihadist camps in Afghanistan in 2000 and renouncing the killing of civilians. However, despite his rejection of violence, Omar’s complex views on his father have drawn criticism. His 2009 memoir reflected his mixed feelings toward Osama, whom he described as a strict yet kind man.
Following Osama Bin Laden’s death at the hands of US special forces in Pakistan in 2011, Omar criticized the handling of his father’s remains, stating that international law was violated when Osama was buried at sea.
Pascal Martin, a friend and business associate who helped Bin Laden sell his artwork, condemned the ban, describing Omar as someone who had completely renounced radical Islamism. Martin expressed disbelief over the accusations, claiming they did not reflect the Omar Bin Laden he knew.
Retailleau’s decision has sparked controversy, with critics accusing the minister of pushing a reactionary right-wing agenda, especially following his vows to crack down on political Islam and reduce immigration since assuming office in September.