Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and law enforcement services, including its coast guard, intercepted over 87,000 individuals trying to irregularly migrate in 2023, most of whom were of sub-Saharan origin, the General Staff of the FAR stated in a press release.
“Over the previous year, we managed to provide critical care and assistance to over 22,000 potential illegal migrants due to increased surveillance and oversight of waterways under national jurisdiction.”
The individuals were frequently aboard makeshift boats in dangerous situations. Women with infants and teenagers under the legal age were frequently among the would-be migrants.
The successful track record of interception reflects the military services’ effective cooperation in addressing difficulties related to illegal immigration as part of a continuing effort to monitor and secure territorial waters, according to FAR.
Morocco is frequently viewed as a transit country for illegal migrants, notably those trying to enter Europe from sub-Saharan Africa. Hundreds of illegal migrants are routinely intercepted by coast guards and army troops heading to European lands accessible from the Kingdom’s coasts.