Rabat – The Spanish acting government approved on Friday, August 23, €32 Million to back Morocco’s efforts to curb irregular migration.
Maghreb Arab Press (MAP) reported that the latest grant seeks to “support efforts made by the Moroccan authorities to fight against irregular immigration, smuggling of migrants, and human trafficking.”
Spain, added MAP, believes that shared responsibility is necessary to fight the irregular migration flows.
The aid is on top of another grant of €26 Million approved by the Spanish government on July 5.
Spanish activism in favor of Morocco’s government at the European Union also led to the approval of a €140 million grant.
Khalid Zerouali, director of immigration and border surveillance at the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior believes that “the €140 million is a start; it will not fix the problem, but it is a welcome gesture.”
“We also intend to work bilaterally with Spain and Europe in a long-term program,” he added in an interview published earlier this month by Eldiario.es.
Both countries faced pressure due to the border crisis. The migration surge also urged Spain to supply Morocco with equipment such as radars, vehicles, and 15 drones to help improve migration control, reported Malaga Hoy on August 12.
In July, Zerouali said that Morocco has foiled more than 40,300 irregular migration attempts since January 2019.
Zerouali said that the number of foiled irregular migration attempts represent a 25% increase from the same period of 2018.
The post Spain Grants Morocco €32 Million to Support Morocco’s Efforts to Curb Irregular Migration appeared first on Morocco World News.