Morocco foils 45,000 irregular migration attempts amid rising pressure in 2024

The ministry’s data, reported by the Moroccan state news agency, highlights that in August alone, 11,323 migration attempts were intercepted in the prefecture of M’diq, and 3,325 attempts were blocked in the province of Nador, involving individuals from various nationalities.

Security forces also dismantled 177 networks involved in human smuggling and rescued 10,589 migrants at sea.

The rescued individuals received comprehensive support, including medical care, shelter, and guidance, as part of Morocco’s humanitarian approach to border management.

The ministry emphasized that Morocco’s vigilant security apparatus and determined actions have strengthened the country’s role as a key player in regional security and in combating transnational smuggling networks.

Despite these efforts, Morocco continues to face increasing migration pressure in 2024, attributed to ongoing instability in the Sahel region and the permeability of its borders.

The situation is further complicated by human smuggling networks exploiting humanitarian policies to serve their own interests.

The ministry underscored that effective and comprehensive combat against irregular migration requires coordinated efforts among partner countries, including enhanced monitoring and prevention measures targeting the root causes of migration.

“Responsible and solidarity-based cooperation with all partners, particularly West African nations and Spain, is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by migration,” the ministry stated.

Earlier this year, Moroccan authorities reported intercepting irregular migrants along the Atlantic coast in western Morocco as they attempted to cross into Europe.

A report by Anadolu in late May noted a shift in human trafficking strategies, with operations moving from the Mediterranean north of Morocco to its western coasts.

Migrants are temporarily settling in southern cities like Tan-Tan, Dakhla, and Laayoune, and when security gaps arise, they attempt to head north to cross the Mediterranean.

Recently, however, many have increasingly tried to cross the Atlantic towards the Canary Islands.

On January 23, the Ministry of the Interior reported that Morocco had intercepted 75,184 irregular migration attempts in 2023, marking a 6% increase compared to 2022.

The growing number of irregular migration attempts reflects the desperate quest of many migrants from sub-Saharan Africa for a better life in Europe, driven by conflict, economic instability, and deteriorating conditions in their home countries.

Morocco’s efforts continue to highlight the complexities of managing migration flows while balancing security and humanitarian responsibilities amid an evolving regional landscape.