Strengthening Repatriation Efforts Between Switzerland and Morocco
Switzerland and Morocco have taken significant steps to improve the repatriation process for individuals residing unlawfully in Switzerland. On Friday, officials from both nations convened in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, to formalize an agreement aimed at expediting the return of these individuals to their home countries. This collaboration highlights the commitment of both countries to streamline the identification and repatriation of unauthorized migrants, as announced by the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
The agreement was signed by Vincenzo Mascioli, the Swiss Secretary of Migration, and Khalid Zerouali, the Director of Migration and Border Surveillance in Morocco. This partnership aims to reduce the average duration required to identify rejected asylum seekers, which currently spans over 150 days. Under the new terms, this process is expected to be completed in a maximum of 30 days, significantly enhancing the efficiency of repatriation procedures. Furthermore, the issuance of replacement travel documents is also set to occur at a much faster pace, thereby facilitating smoother returns.
According to SEM media spokesperson Daniel Bach, the formal signing of this agreement is anticipated to take place later and will require approval from the Swiss Federal Council. In addition to the repatriation protocols, Mascioli and Zerouali have agreed to bolster police cooperation between the two countries. This will involve targeted training initiatives and the sharing of expertise to improve operational efficiency in handling migration issues.
This development follows discussions earlier in April when Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita met in Bern to address migration. At that time, it was noted that both nations had initiated talks to enhance repatriation procedures and strengthen consular cooperation. Such proactive measures signal a collaborative effort to address the complexities surrounding migration and repatriation, ensuring a more organized and humane approach to managing unlawful residency.
As reported by watson.ch.
