Moroccan authorities stopped 78,685 migrants from attempting to cross into Europe illegally in 2024, reflecting a 4.6% increase from the previous year, according to the country’s Interior Ministry. Officials attribute this rise to increasing migration pressure fueled by regional instability.
A significant portion of those intercepted came from West Africa (58%), while 12% were from North Africa, including Morocco. Another 9% originated from East and Central Africa, Reuters reported. Persistent conflicts in the Sahel, high unemployment, and climate change-driven agricultural challenges continue to push migrants toward Europe.
Since settling a diplomatic dispute in 2022, Morocco and Spain have strengthened cooperation to curb irregular migration. The North African country remains a key departure point for migrants attempting perilous journeys across the Mediterranean and Atlantic or scaling the fences of Spain’s North African enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla.
Morocco’s Interior Ministry reported a sharp rise in group attempts to breach these enclaves, recording 14 incidents in 2024—more than double the six attempts in 2023. In addition, authorities rescued 18,645 migrants from unsafe boats trying to reach European shores, marking a 10.8% increase from the previous year.
Despite these efforts, tragedies continue. Just last month, around 50 migrants were feared dead in a shipwreck while attempting to reach Spain’s Canary Islands from West Africa, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by those seeking better opportunities abroad.