Did Morocco prevent 45,000 irregular migrants from reaching the EU in 2024

Last updated on September 10th, 2024 at 06:10 am

The Moroccan Interior Ministry recently announced that it has stopped more than 45,000 migrants from crossing into the European Union through illegal methods so far this year, according to a report in Reuters dated September 7.

The authorities have also arrested 177 migrant trafficking gangs and rescued over 10,800 people at sea. There are no comparative figures from the same period in 2023. But Morocco reported that it had prevented over 75,000 people from entering Europe last year.

Morocco is facing an increase in migratory pressure as political unrest and climate distress in the Sahel region have triggered food crises and conflicts. Disruptions in the global supply chain for grain due to the fighting in Ukraine have also hurt food availability.

EU and Morocco entered into migration cooperation deals

In recent developments, thousands of people are reported to have attempted to cross the ocean through thick fog from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Border police have reportedly intercepted hundreds of migrants attempting to cross this route into the EU.

Moroccan nationals intercepted during crossings are sent back immediately unless they are seeking asylum or are underage. Migrants from other countries are taken to shelters and released after some days, according to a report in InfoMigrants.

Last year, Spain and Morocco entered into different migration cooperation deals to manage regular movement into Europe. The EU and Morocco have also announced a €624 million cooperation agreement for border management and combating migrant smuggling.