King Mohammed VI Addresses Outdated Migration Cooperation
In a significant address during the opening session of the 12th Legislature, King Mohammed VI of Morocco recognized that the existing model of migration cooperation, particularly with Spain, has become increasingly outdated. He underscored the pressing need for a reassessment of this partnership, as it faces mounting challenges and recurring crises related to irregular migration. The monarch highlighted Morocco's advancements in combating irregular migration, yet he acknowledged the necessity of adapting to the evolving landscape of migration dynamics.
Challenges and Calls for Reciprocity
The King's remarks come in the wake of renewed scrutiny following the mass crossings into the Spanish-occupied city of Ceuta in July, where tens of thousands of migrants entered irregularly. This situation has drawn sharp criticism from far-right politicians who have historically leveraged such crises to attack Morocco. In his speech, King Mohammed VI articulated the importance of reciprocity in the partnership with Spain, noting that while significant progress has been made in various fields, including the fight against irregular migration, the current model is strained due to certain outdated legal frameworks and judicial decisions that fail to reflect reality.
He pointed out that these outdated provisions are hampering the repatriation of minors and individuals falsely claiming refugee status while simultaneously enabling criminal networks to thrive. A recent ruling by a Spanish court further complicated matters by preventing the immediate return of migrants who arrived by sea, which exacerbated the situation and was exploited by smuggling networks disseminating misinformation about crossing opportunities into Ceuta. Despite these challenges, Morocco's government has reaffirmed its commitment to its responsibilities and obligations regarding migration management.
In a robust defense of Morocco's position, the King emphasized that the country's approach to handling migration is rooted in sovereignty and responsibility, rejecting any notion that it operates under external pressure or blackmail. He called attention to the need for a shared responsibility approach in migration management, reiterating that Morocco's commitment to this issue is a voluntary one and will not yield to threats or coercion. The King’s address also served as a strong rebuke to those who perpetuate anti-Moroccan sentiment, reinforcing Morocco's status as a credible partner in tackling irregular migration.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
