Migration Governance In Morocco: The “Humanist Logic” Perverted By The Criminal Actions Of Trafficking Networks

Rabat, June 28 (TNA) Morocco's migration governance is shaped by a "humanistic logic", but is unfortunately perverted by the criminal actions of trafficking networks. Indeed, the assault of Friday June 24, 2022, perpetrated at the level of Nador, and led by these mafia networks, is unprecedented on several levels in particular, the choice by the leaders of the point of attack.

In this respect, it is important to emphasize that the assault was not directed in a classic way towards the chain-link fence, but towards the so-called Bario-chino post reserved for the passage of local residents, from and to Mellilia, before its closure in 2020. , following Covid 19. This post has four narrow corridors, and the massive influx of attackers into these cramped corridors caused a great jostling. The death toll is 23 migrants and 76 injured, 18 of whom are still hospitalized.

The Kingdom's vision of the migration issue is passionately sensitive, as its issues, beyond mobility, integrate a central paradigm centered on the human being in the sanctity of their fundamental rights.

This "humanist" logic now frames migration governance in Morocco within the framework of the National Strategy for Immigration and Asylum initiated in 2013 and which established the inclusive and solidarity approach in line with the Kingdom's African holidays. .

In this regard, it should be recalled that His Majesty King Mohammed VI, , advocates solidarity and active South-South cooperation, which places the human element at the center of actions, projects and initiatives.

Thousands of sub-Saharans live in Morocco, some study there (more than 12,000 students through the cooperation channel, 90% of whom are scholarship holders from the Kingdom), others work there, and all are fully integrated.

The Kingdom of Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, has always pleaded for a humanist, global, pragmatic and responsible migration, making Morocco a land of welcome: This has allowed the regularization of tens of thousands of sub- Saharans, since 2013, by giving them the same public services as Moroccan citizens.

For Morocco, the migrant integration policy is a strategic course that enriches the diversity and vitality of Moroccan society, an open, hospitable society at the crossroads of civilizations for millennia.

Unfortunately, "this noble and virtuous dimension of migration is perverted by the criminal actions of trafficking networks, which exploit the vulnerability of victims and push them into dangerous and deadly adventures". These networks use strategies of great violence, in particular during planned attacks, “with militiamen and ex-military assailants from countries destabilized by war and conflict”.

The National Strategy for Immigration and Asylum is an unprecedented initiative at the regional level, which highlights two powerful actions that have consolidated the continental dimension of migration, namely the African Migration Observatory and the African Agenda for migrations. Moreover, international and continental recognition has resulted in the designation of His Majesty the King, Mohammed VI, as the leader of migration in Africa.

It is noted that regularized persons have also benefited from a national integration plan allowing them full access to social, educational, medical and economic services, on the same basis as nationals.

The humanist dimension of migration management in Morocco is also reflected in the voluntary returns offered to migrants who wish to return to their country of origin. Since 2018, more than 8,100 African nationals have benefited from these voluntary returns organized and financed by the Ministry of the Interior, both by air and by land.

In 2020, Morocco adopted a reference framework of standardized procedures for the orientation and care of migrants rescued at sea or apprehended at borders.

The events that took place in Nador on Friday are "a real tragedy that Morocco deplores. The Moroccan authorities are waging a merciless fight against these trafficking networks with more than 1,300 networks dismantled in the past five years (256 in 2021 and 100 until now). in May 2022).

More than 145 attacks have been repelled around Sebta and Mellilia since 2016 (50 in 2021 and 12 until May 2022). Several members of the security forces, who have always acted with professionalism and in full respect of laws and regulations, were injured during these assaults.

More than 360,000 irregular emigration attempts have been aborted since 2017 (63,000 in 2021 and 26,000 until May 2022). It should be noted that the regional environment, the post-Covid context, the war in Ukraine and the looming food crisis exacerbate the migration challenge, which requires concrete actions in terms of active solidarity and plural support.

Morocco is also ready to cooperate fully with its African friends and brothers through the exchange of expertise and cross-training. For their part, the countries of the North must focus on a balanced approach which must not be security-based, but rather based on structural solutions for the sustainable development of the countries of origin and on the promotion of legal mobility between the two shores.