Morocco to Reopen Ceuta and Melilla Borders, Cracking Down on Smuggling

Morocco is ready to open the Ceuta and Melilla border crossings, but the authorities "in no way" want to let smuggled goods pass from these two cities to Fnideq or Nador, says a government source, confirming the decision taken by the Spanish and Moroccan authorities to reopen these two access points starting next Tuesday.

The government made this decision because "smuggling severely penalizes the Moroccan economy," according to a source quoted by Le360 who requests anonymity. According to her, "the total value of smuggled goods passing from Ceuta and Melilla to the neighboring cities exceeded annually, and until the closure of these two passages in 2020, 1 billion euros, or 10 billion dirhams." A huge shortfall for Morocco and even for the smugglers who live in the greatest precariousness.

To ensure compliance with this decision, the customs post in Melilla will be reactivated and another will be installed in Ceuta. Their role will be to control the flow of transported goods and seize, if necessary, the merchandise of smugglers who do not comply with the authorities’ decision. "It should be noted that before Covid-19, the two cities each welcomed around 10,000 visitors per day. As part of the eradication of smuggling, Morocco has invested in the development of commercial and industrial zones along the coast of the cities of Fnideq and M’diq, in particular to enable the social and professional inclusion of these people," recalls the media source.

Before the agreement signed by the two countries, mixed working groups were set up. Thus, starting next Tuesday, only people with a Schengen visa and vehicles coming from abroad will be able to cross the two border crossings.