Morocco Cracks Down on Smuggling Trade in Spanish Enclaves, Impacting Local Economies

Rabat is determined to put an end to the smuggling trade in Sebta and Melilla. In this sense, its decision to end smuggling with these cities is maintained. The Moroccan authorities have explained that they have made this decision because of illegal immigration, "mistreatment, harassment, theft, etc., suffered by the porters". These women number 3,500, including about 200 minors.

According to the Spanish newspaper El Confidencial, this decision is negatively impacting both the lives of Moroccan smugglers and Spaniards, particularly restaurant owners, shopkeepers and taxi drivers who work with Moroccans to transport goods.

Faced with this situation, Spain has called on the head of the Sebta government, Juan Vivas, to develop "an emergency plan". This will involve creating new job opportunities for Spaniards.

For their part, the smugglers are outraged by Morocco’s attitude. "There have been no incidents to justify these closures," they criticized.