Responses to irregular migration in Morocco: Promising changes, persisting challenges
Article
In particular, this briefing discusses how the changing pattern of sub-Saharan migration in Morocco has led to a gradual shift in governmental and civil responses from dealing with irregular migration on a 'transit' basis to considering it on a semi-permanent or even permanent basis.
The Maghreb (particularly Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia) has historically been viewed as a source of emigration, but significant attention more recently has been devoted to the region as a transit zone for migrants from elsewhere whose ultimate destination is the European Union.
However, periods of migration described as 'transit' have been getting longer and longer, and anecdotal evidence that migrants are reaching Morocco with the intention of staying is increasing. Even in small numbers, irregular immigration is starting to change Morocco. Along the way, it is posing challenges to policymakers, requiring developments in the rights accorded even to those who lack proper documentation and immigration status.
This paper supports a seminar in Rabat focusing on improving civil society organisations' strategies to support irregular migrants in Morocco, organised by IPPR together with its Moroccan partner CCME and Brussels-based partner PICUM.
Related items
Dr Parth Patel on BBC Politics Live - July 2024
IPPR's Dr Parth Patel on BBC Politics Live discussing the new Labour government, Covid, migration and international affairsA ‘mandate’ to deliver: Who voted Labour and what do they want?
This year’s general election saw the Labour party achieve a historic landslide, winning 218 new seats and a comfortable majority in the House of Commons.Half of us: Turnout patterns at the 2024 general election
One-half of adults in this country voted at the 2024 general election, the lowest share of the population to vote since universal suffrage.