Morocco Adapts Consular Services in Response to Spain's Migrant Regularization
The recent announcement by Spain to regularize undocumented migrants has prompted Moroccan authorities to revamp their consular services. In light of the increased number of applications from affected Moroccan nationals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has implemented an "exceptional and integrated" action plan aimed at expediting the issuance of necessary documents and facilitating access to Moroccan consulates in Spain. This initiative, outlined by Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad, was in response to a query from MP Fadwa Mohcine El Hayani regarding delays in processing requests for certificates of good conduct and powers of attorney for Moroccans abroad.
Bourita explained that this mobilization follows the Spanish government's decision to regularize the status of undocumented migrants. The primary goal is to enable affected Moroccans to benefit from this initiative by enhancing the quality of consular services and ensuring easier access to the relevant services. The Ministry has adopted a global approach focusing on strengthening good governance and maintaining the Kingdom's image and influence.
Several practical measures have been enacted to streamline administrative procedures and reduce processing times for applications. A significant challenge has been the issuance of the anthropometric certificate, a document deemed essential for Moroccan nationals seeking to regularize their legal status in Spain. To address the challenges faced by applicants, the Ministry organized a remote coordination meeting involving the Moroccan embassy in Madrid, all Moroccan consular representations in Spain, and relevant authorities in Morocco. Discussions centered on procedural constraints related to obtaining this critical document.
Previously, applicants were often required to authorize a relative to collect the certificate from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) in Morocco, a process that necessitated the legalization of the power of attorney and complicated the application for Moroccans residing in Spain. A new mechanism has since been established, allowing Moroccan nationals to submit their requests directly to the appropriate consular service, presenting their national identity card, which is considered the fundamental document required for the anthropometric certificate application.
The general consulates are responsible for collecting and initially processing the applications. These requests are then transmitted via a secure email system to the relevant services within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which subsequently forwards them to the DGSN, tasked with issuing the requested certificates. The administrative process continues after the security services have issued the documents, with the attestation sent to the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra regional wilaya to complete the legalization process and affix the "apostille." Once finalized, the documents are dispatched through diplomatic pouch to the relevant general consulates in Spain before being handed over to the applicants. According to Nasser Bourita, the entire procedure should be completed within a week.
This reorganization not only pertains to the administrative handling of applications but also addresses the increased pressure on Moroccan consulates in Spain, which have extended their operating hours. The working day has been lengthened until 6 PM, up from 3 PM, and the number of appointments available to the public has been increased. Additionally, Saturday has been included as an official working day to enhance service capacity, expedite application reviews, and manage the influx of requests at the general consulates.
As this mobilization occurs, Moroccan representations must continue to fulfill their standard consular duties. The issuance of passports, national identity cards, civil status services, and other competencies will still be provided alongside the exceptional measures for regularization processes. Furthermore, Moroccan consulates in Spain may organize "open house" days on Sundays as needed, a practice aimed at ensuring even greater efficiency in consular operations.
The initiative has also been bolstered by the hiring of temporary staff to support on-ground teams. Bourita believes this measure has tangibly improved the efficiency of consular work and the quality of direct communication with users. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Moroccan embassy in Madrid, and the Kingdom's consular representations in Spain will remain "constantly mobilized," the minister assured, to ensure that all Moroccan citizens can access consular services in conditions that meet their expectations and needs. Finally, Bourita emphasized that this mobilization is part of implementing the royal directives of King Mohammed VI, which prioritize the well-being of Moroccans abroad, protect their interests in host countries, and strengthen their ties with their homeland.
As reported by fr.hespress.com.
