Key information
- More than 200 Moroccans have been repatriated from Belgium since the start of 2024.
- The increase in returns is attributed to strengthening cooperation with Morocco, following a joint federal mission in April.
- Improving return procedures gives the Belgian police more effective tools to detain people without the right of residence.
More than 200 Moroccans have been repatriated from Belgium since the start of 2024. This represents a significant increase compared to 2023, when only 43 individuals were forcibly returned. The Belgian Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration, Nicole de Moor, attributed this increase to the strengthening of cooperation with Morocco.
In April, the two countries agreed to strengthen collaboration on migration and repatriation during a federal mission. Ms de Moor highlighted that while improvements had already been observed before the mission, the joint effort led to a substantial increase in returns. She underlined the importance of international partnerships in the effective management of migration, emphasizing constructive relations with the Moroccan government.
Challenges and efforts
Ms. De Moor also recognized the complex nature of Morocco’s role in the Belgian migration framework. While nearly 80,000 Moroccans legally reside in Belgium and many go there for family, studies or work, the issue of illegal residence among Moroccans requires particular attention. Increased repatriation efforts aim to address this challenge. Mr De Moor said improved return procedures provided Belgian police with more powerful enforcement tools, allowing them to detain people without a right of residence.
Renewed cooperation and common objectives
This renewed cooperation between Belgium and Morocco aims to effectively manage migration challenges while promoting positive relations with the North African nation. Morocco has actively worked to curb attempts at irregular migration to Europe, reporting 366,000 attempts foiled over the past five years. In 2022 alone, Morocco prevented 70,781 such attempts.
If you want access to all articles, subscribe here!
