Morocco stops more illegal migrants from reaching Europe in 2024

The number of migrants Morocco stopped from crossing illegally to Europe grew 4.6% in 2024 to 78,685, as the country faces an increasing migratory pressure.

Climate change, unemployment, and wars are pushing an increasing number of African migrants to opt for the Morocco route, due to its proximity to Spanish shores.

Up to 58% of the migrants prevented from illegally entering the EU were from West Africa, 12% from the Maghreb and 9% from east and west Africa, the interior ministry told Reuters.

Moroccan authorities rescued 18,645 would-be migrants in 2024, up 10.8% from 2023, it said.