During a recent gathering on “Migration and Migration Policy of the Kingdom of Morocco” hosted by Caritas Politica, Moroccan Ambassador Ms. Naji Mekkaoui outlined Morocco’s progressive migration strategy, credited to the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. She highlighted Morocco’s position as a “reliable partner” in managing migration, combating human trafficking, and facilitating international cooperation at various levels.
Ambassador Mekkaoui emphasized that Morocco’s approach to migration is “comprehensive, compassionate, and humanitarian,” prioritizing human rights and adherence to international law. Central to this strategy is the National Strategy for Immigration and Asylum (SNIA), which has regularized the status of around 60,000 migrants, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, and integrated over 2,300 refugees in the past year. This initiative aligns with Morocco’s commitment to the 1951 Geneva Convention on refugees and the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, making Morocco one of the earliest adopters of such international agreements.
Under SNIA, Morocco has also introduced sector-specific programs to support migrants, covering education, healthcare, social protection, housing, and employment. This policy, aimed at leveraging migration as a development tool while safeguarding migrant rights, includes collaborative programs with international partners.
Morocco’s role in global migration initiatives is exemplified by its hosting of the 2018 Global Forum on Migration and Development in Marrakech, where the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration was adopted. Ambassador Mekkaoui noted that Morocco’s commitment to African migration policy, particularly through the African Agenda on Migration, reflects King Mohammed VI’s dedication to addressing migration on the continent.
At the European level, Morocco’s cooperation with the EU underscores a balanced approach based on mutual respect and sustainable solutions. Through frameworks such as the Rabat Process, launched in 2006, Morocco continues to facilitate Euro-African dialogue on migration.
Ambassador Mekkaoui cautioned against the exploitation of migrant policies by criminal trafficking networks, particularly targeting vulnerable youth, which distorts the humanitarian goals of migration programs. She concluded by reaffirming Morocco’s call for “rational and humane” migration governance, aligned with the Marrakech Compact’s objectives.