Morocco Takes Responsibility for Irregular Migration: Foreign Minister’s Statements Reopen European Discussions.
In a joint press conference with the President of the Spanish regional government of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita blamed European countries for the difficulties related to the repatriation of irregular Moroccan migrants, expressing his country’s readiness to welcome these migrants.
MFA Nasser Bourita: Migration Policy, Defined by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, Is Based on Shared Responsibility, Fight against Stereotypes and Efforts against Human Trafficking Networks
🔗 https://t.co/zIocCuVY9V pic.twitter.com/XjVG9md7Dn— Moroccan Diplomacy 🇲🇦 (@Marocdiplo_EN) October 9, 2024
Does Europe Bear Responsibility for the Challenges?
Bourita’s statements reveal an attempt to highlight what he considers inefficiencies in the European legal and procedural system. The minister emphasized that Morocco “is ready to take back all irregular migrants proven to be Moroccan,” but he questioned the European side’s ability to do so. Does this mean that Morocco might feel overlooked or pressured by European countries when it comes to the migrant issue?
Ongoing Tensions in France
These statements come at a sensitive time, as the debate in France over the issue of expelling illegal migrants has resumed following the arrest of a Moroccan suspected of involvement in a murder, intensifying the discussion about immigration. How might these incidents affect relations between Morocco and Europe, especially with increasing criticisms directed at Morocco for its delays in issuing necessary consular permits?
Cooperation on the Ground: Are There Hurdles?
In the context of discussing cooperation, Bourita noted that there are clear directives to work with France and Spain to repatriate unaccompanied minors, indicating Morocco’s willingness to cooperate in addressing migration issues. However, the minister questioned the obstacles that might hinder this cooperation, pointing out that the problems do not stem from Morocco, but from the procedures of European countries.
Using Migration as a Political Tool
The Moroccan minister also criticized those who exploit migration issues for political purposes, raising the question of whether current European policies meet the needs of migrant-exporting countries like Morocco, or if they simply seek to manage crises without addressing the root causes.
Toward Practical Solutions?
In concluding his remarks, Bourita called for finding solutions to the legal and procedural gaps, which is an open invitation for effective cooperation between Morocco and European countries. Will European countries be able to respond to this call and cooperate effectively with Morocco to improve migration conditions and repatriate migrants, or will political disagreements continue to obstruct these efforts?
These questions remain open, and it is now up to the international community to seek sustainable solutions to the complex migration issues that transcend borders.
