Morocco aborted 75,184 attempts at irregular migration in 2023, an increase of 6% compared to 2022.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, the Kingdom, which relies on the resilience of border and coastal surveillance systems in its fight against irregular migration, continued in 2023 to face constant and growing migratory pressure in an unstable and threatening regional environment.
The ministry also noted that trafficking networks have not decreased, with more than 419 networks dismantled (+44% compared to 2022), adding that these networks are constantly developing new strategies to serve their criminal activities.
Concerning rescue and assistance operations at sea, the ministry revealed that 16,818 migrants were rescued, recording a 35% increase compared to 2022.
In addition, 6 attacks on Sebta and Melilia were recorded involving more than 1,400 migrants (-62% compared to 2022), with 5,844 irregular migrants benefiting from voluntary returns to their countries of origin.
These efforts are an illustration of the Kingdom’s major contribution to regional security and the fight against cross-border trafficking networks, reflecting Morocco’s commitment to solidarity with all partners for a collective approach to address the challenges surrounding migration.