Morocco has been successful in its efforts to combat illegal migration, with new data showing that over 366,000 attempts to enter Europe illegally have been dismantled in the past five years. Among those removed from danger are over 90,000 migrants rescued from perilous situations, with more than 12,000 of these being rescued from the sea in 2022.
Criminal networks that specialize in people smuggling are the main perpetrators behind the surge in illegal migration, with an estimated 117 such criminal networks being dismantled already this year and hundreds more over the past five years.
The Moroccan Interior Ministry has been stepping up its efforts to intercept migrants in the Ceuta and Melilla regions, with around 100 attempted assaults prevented in the past few years. Around 17,500 assailants were prevented from entering the country during this time.
The majority of migrants originating in Morocco that attempt to enter Europe illegally are young males from sub-Saharan Africa. In recent years, the Moroccan government has concluded several cooperation agreements with the European Union, particularly with Spain, to stem the flow of migrants. One such agreement, signed in March of this year, was worth €624 million ($735 million), with €152 million aimed at addressing illegal migration and reinforcing Moroccan border control measures.
The Spanish Interior Minister hailed these efforts, noting that the percentage of illegal migrants attempting to enter Spain has dropped by 36% this year compared to last year. This is due in large part to the Moroccan government’s border control efforts and crackdown on smuggling networks. Thanks to these measures, attempted breaches of the fences surrounding the Spanish enclaves have been reduced by 75%, and arrivals on the Canary Islands have been reduced by 51%.
Overall, these efforts have been a resounding success for the Moroccan authorities, who have shown a commitment to stemming the tide of illegal migration. As the country continues to work closely with Spain and the European Union to tackle this issue, we can expect to see further progress in the years to come.
