Welcome back everyone: The return and reintegration of irregular migrants from Morocco

Article

This report looks at how countries of origin and destination can improve the way they tackle irregular migration with a more effective return and reintegration strategy, drawing on in-depth qualitative research carried out with returned migrants and stakeholders in Morocco.

The report presents new data on what drives return and describes the actions required to ensure that return and reintegration policy is effective, efficient, humane and - most importantly - sustainable.

The current approach to the return of irregular migrants from Europe to Morocco is characterised by an unwillingness to take responsibility on both sides. Current policy in both European countries and in Morocco is expensive, ineffective and harmful to returnees. While forced removal continues to be the key European policy response to irregular migration, it remains an ineffective means of preventing remigration in the long term. Therefore, there is a clear need for a new policy approach to irregular migration that serves better the interests of European countries, Morocco, and migrants themselves.

Our research findings show that the nature and experience of return is important to an understanding of the later success or failure of reintegration, and that migrants can be encouraged to return voluntarily if they are offered support that meets their needs and addresses their fears.

Reintegration is a crucial step towards achieving sustainable return. In particular, it is important to address the factors that led migrants to leave Morocco in the first place, to prevent further irregular migration. As well as supporting the migrants themselves, reintegration packages need to engage local actors who can assist returnees who struggle after the initial receipt of financial support, and help to meet their continuing needs, including their emotional and psychological needs.

This report makes a range of recommendations focused on Morocco and on European countries and other international organisations. Proposed reforms in Morocco address protection issues and the development and formalisation of networks in Morocco and regionally. Recommendations concerning reforms in Europe are focused on changes to the structure, funding, provision and monitoring of assisted voluntary return (AVR) schemes.

  • This report has also been published in French as Retour des migrants irr?guliers au Maroc: Quelle politiques de r?int?gration?
  • A companion report addresses transit migration in Morocco.

Related items

  1. A row of international flags flying in the breeze outside a building in Paris on a sunny day

    Diversifying diplomacy: UK strategy in a fragmenting world

    How the UK might build more durable international partnerships in energy, defence and technology.
  2. A 'To Let' sign outside a row of houses on a residential street, UK

    High housing costs in the private rental sector: The case for action

    45 per cent of all private renters in the UK have unaffordable rents. It's time for the government to act to limit rent increases.
  3. A wide shot of several large commercial vessels, including oil tankers and a survey boat, floating on turquoise water. In the background, an industrial shoreline with numerous smokestacks and refinery infrastructure is visible under a cloudy sky. Concept of global logistics, maritime industry, and international trade.

    Price caps and economic stability: How to manage the Iran war energy shock?

    The Iran war energy shock will impose significant costs on the UK economy, even if the government does not offer a universal support package.