Spain and Morocco have recently signed a readmission agreement that aims to accelerate the process of returning Moroccan migrants who enter Spain illegally. The agreement marks a significant step towards improving the cooperation between the two nations on migration matters.
Under the terms of the agreement, Moroccan authorities will be obliged to receive and readmit Moroccan nationals who are found to be in an irregular situation in Spain. This includes those who have entered Spain without the necessary documentation or have overstayed their visas. The only exception is for those who are seeking protection or asylum.
The agreement comes after months of difficult negotiations between the two countries. Spain has been grappling with an increasing number of migrants arriving on its shores, particularly from Morocco. In 2019, for example, over 23,000 Moroccans attempted to cross the Mediterranean to reach Spain.
The readmission agreement is expected to ease some of the pressure that Spain is facing in terms of irregular migration. It will also help to improve the relationship between the two countries, which has been strained in recent years over a range of issues.
There are concerns, however, that the agreement may not be enough to fully address the current challenges facing Spain in terms of irregular migration. Experts have suggested that the government also needs to address the root causes of migration, including economic and social factors that drive people to leave their home countries in search of a better life.
Another concern is that migrants who are returned to Morocco may face difficult conditions there, including poverty and limited job opportunities. This could lead to continued attempts to enter Spain illegally, despite the readmission agreement.
Overall, the readmission agreement between Spain and Morocco is an important step towards improving cooperation on migration matters. However, it is only one part of a broader strategy that is needed to address the challenges facing Spain and the wider European Union in terms of irregular migration.
