Rabat – The Spanish government approved the €30 million today, July 19. The amount comes in addition to the €140 million promised by the European Union to help Morocco fight against illegal immigration, announced the Spanish government spokesperson Isabel Celaa, at a press conference.
The reinforced relations between Morocco and Spain have contributed to a 27% drop this year in irregular migration, according to a statement by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior.
Two weeks ago Spain approved a grant of €26 million to buy and deliver to Morocco 750 vehicles, drones, scanners, radars and other technical equipment for strengthening the control of its borders, reported Spanish newspaper El Pais. The grant was the second installment of Spain’s contribution to the €140 million EU fund.
In a press release today, the Spanish government made clear that addressing illegal migration and human trafficking is a joint responsibility for “the countries of origin, transit, and destination,” making “cooperation with other countries the essential axis of the Spanish migration policy.”
The latest grant is designed to reinforce Morocco’s existing capabilities.
Local authorities “are the ones that can develop the most direct actions for the dismantling of criminal organizations dedicated to human trafficking,” reminds the Spanish government.
Morocco’s land borders with the Spanish territories of Ceuta and Melilla are points of concern when it comes to illegal immigration.
This morning, close to 200 sub-Saharan Africans tried to force through the Melilla border post, climbing the fence between Morocco and Spain.
Spanish and Moroccan border forces immediately responded to the incident, including deploying a Guardia Civil helicopter, reported Spanish news source El Espanol.
Up to 50 migrants managed to cross over into Spain, and made their way to the temporary migration facility (CETI), from which they cannot be deported.
