Morocco and Spain Report Progress in Combating Illegal Migration Networks

During the 20th meeting of the permanent Spanish-Moroccan group on migration, held in Rabat, the participants were presented with the figures for 2021 and the first quarter of 2022 against illegal migration to Europe and in particular to Spain. These figures reflect the magnitude of the phenomenon. The number of attempted illegal migrations stands at 63,121, of which 14,746 were thwarted just in the first three months of the current year. In total, some 256 criminal networks, including 52 networks, were dismantled in the first quarter of 2022 for human trafficking.

In total, 14,236 people at sea, including about a hundred who were rescued by the Moroccan authorities in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. The same authorities thwarted 49 assaults on Ceuta and Melilla in 2021, including 47 just at the level of Melilla, of which 12 incursions in the first half of the year. What about voluntary return? Morocco has organized the return of "3,500 irregular immigrants, Moroccans and others to their country of origin, including 1,080 during the first three months of 2022, 600 returns have been in partnership with the International Organization for Migration," it is specified.

Jesus Rafael Perez, Secretary of State for Security, is pleased with the work done. "We are neighboring countries and strategic partners, the daily joint work has been an example, particularly with regard to the control of migratory flows and the fight against human trafficking networks," said the Spanish official, stressing Spain and Morocco’s commitment to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation on migration.