Morocco, AU Collaborate on Migration Through Migration Observatory

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita and AU Commissioner for Social Affairs Amira El Fadil Inaugurated Friday, December 18, the African Migration Observatory in Hay Riad, Rabat.

The observatory’s main mission is to establish migration strategies and provide a clear vision for African migration, while also fighting illegal migration and human trafficking.

During the ceremony, Bourita expressed that if Morocco and the rest of AU countries do not curb “the networks of illegal immigration and human trafficking in a coordinated manner within the framework of shared responsibility” they will not achieve a solution.

The Observatory, which is the first AU institution that Morocco has hosted since its return to the Union in 2017, will also conduct studies and research on the issue of migration in general and focus on the reintegration of African migrants returning to their homes.

Thanks to this historic initiative, returning migrants will be able to join the workforce in their home countries and benefit from relevant training that will offer them a better and more secure future.

On her part, AU Commissioner for Social Affairs, El Fadli, noted that illegal migration from African countries to Europe is only a small part of migration in general, clarifying that external migration only represents 20% compared to internal migration which represents 80%.

Morocco’s Migration Policy is rooted in humanitarian and inclusive approaches toward migrants.

Through the Observatory, Morocco will share its experience in tackling migration challenges with its African brother countries, Said El Fadli.