Moroccan Authorities Intensify Measures Against Illegal Migration

Moroccan police have taken decisive action to thwart the influx of migrants attempting to enter Spain's Ceuta enclave. This week, hundreds of individuals, primarily from Morocco and other African nations, were stopped at the border.

Although some managed to reach Fnideq, they were subsequently returned. Authorities arrested 60 people for promoting illegal border crossings on social media, highlighting the ongoing challenges in managing migration.

Since the beginning of the year, Moroccan forces have successfully prevented over 45,000 illegal attempts to enter Europe. This includes more than 11,300 individuals trying to reach Ceuta and 3,300 targeting Melilla, the other Spanish enclave in North Africa.

Despite these efforts, many migrants are resorting to perilous sea routes, evidenced by over 22,000 arrivals in the Canary Islands in August alone. The collaboration between Morocco and Spain has strengthened significantly since the resolution of their diplomatic tensions in 2022, focusing on curbing illegal immigration.

The urgency of this situation remains stark, especially following the tragic deaths of 23 migrants during a border crossing attempt in June 2022. The ongoing efforts reflect a complex interplay of humanitarian concerns and national security as both countries navigate the intricacies of migration management.