Morocco says irregular migration requires shared responsibility with Europe

08:00

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco says irregular migration requires shared responsibility with Europe

Morocco's Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has rejected criticism directed at Rabat over recent migration tensions around the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, arguing that irregular migration cannot be addressed by Morocco alone and requires closer coordination between European countries and their North African partners.

In comments to Asharq News, Ouahbi criticized what he described as inconsistencies in Spain's migration policy. According to the minister, Madrid expects Morocco to strengthen controls against irregular crossings while simultaneously pursuing measures to regularize the status of migrants already living in Spain without legal residence.

Ouahbi said Morocco had previously raised concerns with Spanish officials about the consequences of what he considered an inconsistent approach. He stressed that effective control of irregular migration depends on coordinated policies and clear cooperation between the countries concerned.

The Moroccan minister also referred to a recent decision by Spain's Supreme Court concerning the immediate return of people arriving by sea. In his view, the ruling has added complexity to migration management and contributed to the circumstances surrounding the increase in arrivals reported in the Ceuta area at the end of July.

Beyond bilateral disagreements, Ouahbi emphasized the role of human-smuggling networks. He argued that migrants are often victims of organized networks that exploit their vulnerable circumstances and encourage them to undertake dangerous journeys in search of better living conditions.

Morocco, he said, remains willing to cooperate with European partners in combating irregular migration, but does not want its role to be reduced to that of a border guard acting solely on behalf of Europe. Rabat is instead calling for a more balanced partnership based on shared responsibilities and mutual interests.

The debate comes as migration remains a sensitive issue in relations between Morocco and Spain. The two countries have developed extensive cooperation on border security and migration management, while disagreements periodically emerge over responsibility for migration pressures and the treatment of migrants.

Ouahbi also addressed the longstanding dispute over Ceuta and Melilla, the two Spanish-administered cities on Morocco's northern coast. He reiterated Morocco's position regarding their status, while stressing that Rabat favors a gradual and peaceful approach based on dialogue.

The minister's remarks come amid renewed debate over the migration situation around Ceuta and allegations that migration may be used as a political pressure tool. Moroccan authorities reject such accusations and maintain that irregular migration is a shared regional challenge.

The latest statements underline the broader difficulty facing Morocco and its European partners: managing migration while addressing the factors that drive people to attempt dangerous crossings, combating trafficking networks and maintaining cooperation on border security.

For Rabat, the message is clear: cooperation with Europe should continue, but responsibility for managing irregular migration must be shared rather than transferred primarily to Morocco.