MADRID, Spain (AP) — The Interior Ministry says a son of Osama bin Laden is in Spain and seeking asylum.

A ministry official says Omar Osama bin Laden requested asylum immediately after arriving at Madrid airport Monday on a flight from Cairo, Egypt, that had been going on to Casablanca, Morocco.

The official says Omar Osama bin Laden was traveling on a passport from Saudi Arabia. The official says he cannot say on what grounds bin Laden is requesting asylum.

The 27-year-old remains at the airport while the ministry considers his petition. The ministry has 72 hours to make a decision, and the petitioner has a right of appeal.

The ministry official spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity in line with ministry rules.