Rabat- Moroccan authorities have successfully disrupted 48,963 attempts to smuggle migrants and dismantled 210 criminal networks involved in such activities since the beginning of 2024, according to a recent government report.
Presented to the House of Representatives on October 1st, the report highlights the significant efforts made by the Royal Navy in rescuing 14,260 individuals of various nationalities from perilous sea crossings. These individuals were attempting to reach the northern shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean through illegal boat journeys.
The report indicated that the Royal Navy, during the same period, rescued 14,260 people from drowning and provided assistance to them, of national and foreign nationalities, while they were trying to cross illegally through Boats towards the northern shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Additionally, 4,388 migrants were voluntarily repatriated to their home countries, with 1,664 of these repatriations coordinated with the International Organization for Migration in Morocco.
The ministry emphasized its commitment to a human rights-based approach in protecting victims of migrant smuggling, working closely with the diplomatic missions of their respective countries in Morocco.
To further enhance border security and combat transnational crime, the Ministry has strengthened its partnership with regional and international partners, particularly those in Europe. This cooperation focuses on bolstering border monitoring, surveillance, and combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
The ministry has also invested in modernizing its security services, equipping them with advanced technology for monitoringMorocco steps up fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking., surveillance, communication, and transportation.
The ministry highlighted its active role in implementing the national migration and asylum strategy by regularizing the status of refugees through the Office for Refugees and Stateless Persons.
In coordination with a joint committee, this office reviews cases of refugees registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
According to the ministry, as of mid-September, the office has officially recognized the status of 1,638 refugees.
