Rabat – Immigration and Morocco have a long relationship. Geographically, culturally, and politically, Morocco shares close ties with Europe. While this initially led to a positive African-European migration relationship, the dynamic of migration between Europe and Africa has changed immensely. Now, governments in Europe struggle to contain irregular migrants coming from Morocco. Unless these underlying issues get solved, this negative relationship is unlikely to improve.
Migration from Morocco was once heavily encouraged by European governments. During the Post-World War 2 era of reconstruction, European leaders needed a surplus of workers to help rebuild structures, work labor and agricultural jobs, and boost their general workforces. These governments looked to Morocco, due to its close proximity, and status as a protectorate of France and Spain.
During this time, a Moroccan could travel to and from France without a visa, which enabled large waves of Moroccans to seek economic opportunity in Europe. These new migrants sent large sums of money back to family in Morocco, adding several billion to the Moroccan economy, according to Migration Policy.
The surge continued through the next few decades, however by the mid-70s, a European economy weakened by the 1973 Oil Crisis led to an increase in unemployment and xenophobia towards these same migrants, producing the negative attitude towards immigration seen today.
Gradually, migration from Morocco to Europe was attempted by Sub-Saharan African migrants seeking work, who saw Morocco’s proximity as the quickest route to Europe. But these African migrants faced stiffer security than their predecessors, and many stayed in Morocco. This history makes Morocco unique as the country has experienced being an exporter of immigrants, a transit point of immigrants, and a destination country for immigrants.
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Presently, Moroccan irregular migration patterns remain unfazed despite the restrictive measures taken by European governments. Since 2016, the migration rate jumped, with an estimated 65,000 irregular immigrants caught trying to get to Europe from Morocco annually, compared to about 32,000 from 2003 to 2015. These migrant groups composed of both Sub Saharan Africans, as well as a large amount of Moroccan youth, seeking employment opportunities.
This spike has prompted politicians to continue proposing laws to restrict movements across the continents, such as the Spanish proposition of a speed boat ban in October. In addition, Morocco’s National Policy on Immigration and Asylum has made the country a more attractive final destination for sub-Saharan migrants. However, without addressing the root causes of irregular immigration, these laws will have little effect in stopping migrants.
Currently the second-most populated continent, Africa will add an expected 1.3 billion to its population by 2050, according to UN data. This growth will tax the underdeveloped economic system, and lead to more economic migrants seeking job opportunities in Europe and elsewhere. In addition, the increasing effects of climate change will also have an effect, decreasing food supplies and potentially sparking more conflict in an already volatile continent.
Although international efforts are now being made to develop the economic and social conditions in Africa, primarily with the assistance of the UN, it will need to increase to keep up with the population growth. If this aid doesn’t reach the continent quick enough, attempted migration rates from Morocco will only increase, as more desperate people from Morocco and throughout Africa will seek a better life for themselves and their families.
