Operational Context of Asylum in Morocco

Morocco has emerged as a pivotal asylum country, strategically positioned at the crossroads of Mediterranean and Atlantic migration routes. This has allowed it to increasingly assert itself as a haven for protection and inclusion, particularly in a context marked by regional instability, notably related to the ongoing conflict in Sudan and forced displacements in the Sahel region. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) collaborates closely with the Moroccan government to gradually strengthen national frameworks that support asylum seekers and refugees.

As of June 30, 2026, UNHCR Morocco had registered a total of 23,615 individuals, which included 10,538 refugees and 13,077 asylum seekers. Notably, there has been a significant uptick in arrivals from Sudan since 2024, with these individuals accounting for the majority of new registrations in 2025 and thus far in 2026. Sudanese nationals comprise a staggering 68% of all registered individuals in 2026, with an average monthly registration rate of 233 people. Alarmingly, unaccompanied minors represent one out of every nine new registrants, underscoring the increasing protection risks faced by vulnerable populations.

UNHCR operates through a branch office in Rabat, alongside five decentralized protection units established in partnership with the Moroccan Organization for Human Rights (OMDH). This collaborative effort ensures access to registration, documentation, counseling, and protection services across key regions. However, the continuous growth of the population presents escalating pressure on the protection systems in place.

Morocco's proactive participation in the Global Refugee Forum in 2023 is also noteworthy, where it made six key commitments in critical areas such as health, education, socio-economic inclusion, data management, and humane border management. Additionally, representatives of refugees in Morocco were actively involved in the forums held in 2023 and 2025, further emphasizing the country's commitment to addressing refugee issues comprehensively.

As reported by reliefweb.int.