Morocco and Spain Deepen Ties, Boost Collaboration on Migration Policies

Rabat – Spain’s Secretary of State for Migration, Pilar Cancela Rodriguez, commended Morocco’s pivotal role in managing migration flows, calling the partnership between the two nations a “model of effective collaboration.”

Speaking during a press briefing on Spain’s newly reformed immigration law, Rodriguez affirmed the shared commitment to addressing migration challenges through coordinated and innovative approaches.

Describing the relationship as deeply rooted in shared history and cultural ties, she noted that Morocco and Spain are jointly advancing projects that promote circular and organized migration.

These initiatives reflect the strategic alignment of both countries in tackling migration issues with mutual benefits, she said.

Rodriguez also spoke on the importance of maintaining and strengthening this cooperation to boost the efficiency of migration policies. She pointed to the regular meetings of the Morocco-Spain Joint Migration Group as a critical mechanism for assessing progress and adapting strategies.

Morocco’s contribution has been instrumental in ensuring orderly migration, positioning the country as a key player in regional and international migration management efforts, she explained.

“This partnership exemplifies what can be achieved through shared responsibility and dialogue,” she remarked.

In September, Moroccan authorities intercepted 14,648 migrants attempting to cross into Ceuta and Melilla by swimming or scaling border fences, with most incidents occurring near M’diq, a northern town bordering Ceuta.

The largest wave of attempts took place on September 15, a day dubbed by media as “the great escape day,” when Moroccan authorities successfully prevented mass crossings.

The Spanish government later commended Morocco’s efforts, noting the success of their joint migration cooperation in tackling these large-scale incidents.

In a speech during a meeting of Spain’s Congress of Deputies, Foreign Affairs Minister Jose Manuel Albares stressed that cooperation between Madrid and Rabat has been instrumental in foiling thousands of attempts at Spain-bound irregular migration.