Morocco shifts responsibility to Europe in migrant repatriation dispute

Morocco placed responsibility on European countries for the challenges surrounding the repatriation of Moroccan illegal migrants, asserting its readiness to take them back while criticizing those who turn immigration into a "political bargaining chip."

These statements come amid a renewed debate in France over the expulsion of migrants in an irregular situation, following the arrest in September of a Moroccan national suspected of murdering a student. 

The suspect, who was under an obligation to leave French territory (OQTF), had yet to be deported. Morocco has been accused of delaying the issuance of the necessary travel document to facilitate his return.

"Morocco is ready to repatriate any irregular migrant whose Moroccan nationality is confirmed and who left from Moroccan soil," Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita stated on Tuesday during a press conference in Rabat alongside the president of the Spanish Canary Islands regional government, Fernando Clavijo.

"Morocco is ready, but is the other party capable of doing so?" Bourita questioned, emphasizing that Rabat does not need to receive "lessons" in handling illegal migration. The main suspect in the murder of Philippine, a 19-year-old student found buried in a Parisian woodland, is a 22-year-old Moroccan man who had been previously convicted of rape in 2021.

French judicial sources indicated that Moroccan authorities had not responded to multiple requests from France to validate the necessary consular travel document. 

Morocco, however, argued that the request had not been submitted through the appropriate French service. "If these migrants are not returned, it's because of obstacles on the other side," Bourita insisted, urging a review of "legal and procedural loopholes that create incentives for migrants."

He added that Morocco had issued "clear directives" to cooperate with French and Spanish authorities to repatriate unaccompanied minors. "The obstacles did not come from Morocco, but from the procedures of these countries," Bourita emphasized, further criticizing European politicians who, in his view, exploit immigration for political gain.

Earlier in October, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed his desire to extend the maximum duration of detention for irregular migrants and to tie visa policies to the issuance of consular travel documents. 

Retailleau pointed out that in 2023, France issued 238,750 visas to Morocco but received only "725 travel documents" in return. The minister expressed frustration, stating that France has been "too generous without reciprocity."

The ongoing discussions between Morocco and European nations, particularly France, highlight the complex and politically charged issue of illegal immigration, as well as the need for more efficient collaboration to ensure that repatriation processes are carried out smoothly and fairly.