Morocco Forges Ahead with Migrant Regularization Campaign

Over 18,000 migrants have applied for a residency status under the second phase of the regularization campaign in line with a migrant integration policy spearheaded by King Mohammed VI.

By March 8, 18,228 migrants submitted their requests to gain residency cards as part of the second phase of a regularization campaign that was launched last December upon directives from King Mohammed VI after the success of the first phase that saw 25,000 migrants gain residency status.

Migration is also part of an integrated policy towards Africa that takes into account humanitarian aspects along with economic and political dimensions.

In a Royal speech last August, King Mohammed VI underscored that “Morocco was one of the first countries of the South to adopt a genuine solidarity-based policy regarding sub-Saharan migrants…This integrated policy, which is rooted in humanitarian values, is designed to make sure migrants’ rights and dignity are safeguarded.”

“As part of the implementation of this policy, my country has, without any arrogance, pomposity or discrimination, regularized the situation of migrants using fair and reasonable standards. It has provided the conditions needed for migrants to reside, work and lead a dignified life within our community,” King Mohammed VI had said.

Although migrants represent only 0.24% of the total Moroccan population, the Kingdom is steadily becoming a host country for migrants notably from sub-Saharan Africa after it was one of the main transit countries for migrants to Europe.