Morocco’s Migration Policy at Stake – Between Foreign Policy Gains and Human Rights Costs

Morocco’s adoption of a new migration policy in the aftermath of the so-called Arab Spring has resulted in paradoxical outcomes. Whereas this strategy has succeeded in serving Morocco’s diplomatic interests in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly through bolstering its image as a regional power, its effectiveness in protecting migrants’ rights and promoting their integration at a domestic level has been limited. Furthermore, with the arrival of more migrants in the country and growing pressure to increase surveillance at its borders, Morocco has shown ambivalence in its treatment of migrants. If the Moroccan government wants to maintain its image as a regional “leader” on migration, considerable efforts to adjust policy need to be made. It is particularly recommended that Morocco: establishes a mechanism to prevent acts of violence against migrants, expedites the adoption of a migration and asylum law in line with international human rights standards, and allocates more funds to integration and protection programs