Morocco Hailed as Model of Humanitarian Migration Management

Rabat – Laura Palatini, the Head of Mission at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has hailed Morocco’s efforts in adopting humanitarian approaches to manage migration issues.

“Morocco is one of the few countries that sets itself up as a model for managing immigration issues and the civilized treatment of foreigners, while offering them a decent life,” Palatini said in an interview with Morocco’s state news agency.

She recalled Morocco’s initiatives to offer migrants decent social services and training opportunities for a better socio-economic integration.

The international expert stressed that Morocco has always dealt with immigration issues according to legal, humanitarian, and social approaches, and has not used repressive means toward migrants.

With Morocco renewing its commitment to ensuring the success of the UN Compact for Migration, Palatini praised the country for effectively adopting a migration policy in compliance with international conventions while leading a “fierce fight against all those who try to exploit humans through human trafficking.”

The official also noted that cooperation with Moroccan institutions in the fight against irregular immigration is always marked by mutual respect and understanding.

She commented that Moroccan institutions in charge of migration-related issues have shown great maturity in coordinating with international NGOs to provide an appropriate space for migrants to live in dignity.

“Morocco has not excluded migrants from the COVID-19 vaccines, and has allowed immigrants to access health and administrative services, while providing their children with the necessary education and training, without discrimination or exclusion,” Palatini added.

In 2013, Morocco was the first country in the MENA region to launch the National Strategy on Immigration and Asylum (NSIA), setting out mechanisms of response to meet the needs of refugees and asylum seekers on Moroccan territory.

The kingdom’s actions to improve its migration policy testify to its commitment to creating a safe, secure, and stable environment in the African continent.