In 2024, Morocco has successfully stopped 45,015 people from attempting to cross into Europe illegally. This information comes from the Moroccan state news agency, MAP, which cited data from the country’s interior ministry. Morocco’s efforts to control illegal migration also included dismantling 177 human trafficking networks this year. The interior ministry did not provide a comparison to the same period in 2023, and no further comment was made in response to a Reuters request for additional information.
In 2023, Morocco managed to prevent 75,184 people from crossing into Europe, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. The Moroccan navy has also played a crucial role, rescuing 10,859 migrants from the sea so far in 2024, according to the MAP report. These figures demonstrate Morocco’s continuous efforts to address the challenges of illegal migration.
The ongoing instability in the Sahel region, along with the porous borders, has contributed to the increasing migration pressure that Morocco faces. The North African country remains a key route for many African migrants hoping to reach Europe. Migrants try various ways to enter the continent, including crossing the Mediterranean, the Atlantic Ocean, or climbing the fences surrounding the Spanish territories of Ceuta and Melilla.
In 2022, Morocco and Spain strengthened their cooperation to tackle illegal migration after resolving a separate diplomatic dispute. Despite this, in August 2024, several hundred migrants took advantage of a dense fog to swim towards Ceuta, as reported by Spanish police. This shows that migration attempts persist despite tightened security.
As Morocco increases surveillance along its northern borders, more migrants are taking the longer and riskier Atlantic route to the Canary Islands, seeking new ways to reach Europe.