Rabat, Morocco – Morocco has successfully prevented 45,015 individuals from illegally crossing into Europe since the beginning of 2024, according to government data. Additionally, 177 migrant trafficking gangs have been dismantled during this period.
The North African country has long served as a transit point for migrants seeking to reach Europe through various routes, including the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the land border with Spain. Morocco’s intensified efforts to combat illegal migration have led to a significant increase in the number of migrants intercepted.
While specific figures for the same period in 2023 were not provided, it is noteworthy that Morocco stopped 75,184 people from crossing to Europe last year, representing a 6% rise from the previous year.
The Moroccan navy has also played a crucial role in preventing illegal migration. So far this year, the navy has rescued 10,859 migrants at sea.
The government attributed the surge in migratory pressure to the ongoing instability in the Sahel region and the porous borders in the area. Morocco’s strengthened cooperation with Spain in addressing illegal migration has been instrumental in curbing the flow of migrants.
Despite these efforts, hundreds of migrants managed to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta last month by taking advantage of foggy conditions. As a result, an increasing number of migrants are opting for the riskier and longer Atlantic route to the Canary Islands.
