Morocco's Migrant Crackdown: 45,015 Intercepted Since January

Morocco has intercepted 45,015 people attempting to migrate illegally to Europe in 2024, according to state news agency MAP, citing interior ministry data. The country's navy has rescued 10,859 migrants at sea. Morocco remains a major gateway for African migrants due to its proximity to Europe.

Morocco has prevented 45,015 individuals from illegally migrating to Europe since January, as reported by the state news agency MAP, citing data from the interior ministry. The report did not provide comparative data for the same period in 2023, and the ministry did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

In the previous year, 75,184 people were stopped from crossing to Europe, marking a 6% increase from the year before. The Moroccan navy has already rescued 10,859 migrants at sea this year, according to MAP and interior ministry data.

The interior ministry remarked that Morocco continues to face increasing migratory pressure in 2024 due to instability in the Sahel region and porous borders. Morocco remains a key launch point for African migrants aiming to reach Europe via the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, or by scaling the fences surrounding the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.

Following a diplomatic resolution with Spain in 2022, the two nations have enhanced cooperation to tackle illegal migration. However, last month hundreds of migrants exploited a thick mist to swim to Ceuta, as per Spanish police.

Heightened surveillance along Morocco's northern borders is pushing more migrants to opt for the riskier and longer Atlantic route to the Canary Islands.

(With inputs from agencies.)