King Mohammed VI acknowledged today that the current model of migration cooperation, including with Spain, has become outdated, citing recurring crises and challenges related to irregular migration.
The monarch made his remarks in a speech during the opening of the first session of the 12th Legislature, acknowledging the progress Morocco has made in several areas, including combating irregular migration.
The monarch, however, acknowledged that the partnership now faces major challenges.
The monarch’s remarks came amid renewed attention to the Ceuta mass crossing in July, when tens of thousands of migrants irregularly entered the Spanish-occupied city. The crisis triggered criticism and accusations from far-right politicians who have long weaponized similar crises to attack Rabat.
Some politicians went too far, using accusations of blackmail and describing the situation as a “hybrid war against Spain,” despite Madrid’s acknowledgment and recognition of Rabat’s efforts to tackle the migration crisis.
The King today recalled Morocco’s efforts to consolidate its international standing as a “responsible and reliable partner” committed to honoring its obligations.
He, however, emphasized the importance of reciprocity, adding that Morocco’s balanced approach to managing migration has “yielded tangible results.”
While Morocco’s efforts should not be overlooked, the King acknowledged, with “courage and objectivity,” that the current model of cooperation “has reached its limits,” citing recurring crises.
“The same assessment applies to our neighbor Spain, with which our partnership has made significant progress across different fields, including the fight against irregular migration,” the King said.
He said cooperation now faces major challenges linked to certain “outdated” legal provisions and judicial decisions that are disconnected from reality.
For the monarch, this combination “obstructs the repatriation of minors and individuals falsely claiming refugee status, while encouraging criminal networks” to expand their activities.
On July 8, a Spanish court ruled against the immediate return of migrants who arrived in the enclave by swimming.
The ruling triggered a surge in crossings and was further exploited by smuggling networks, which used social media to spread and disseminate fake news about allegedly easy crossings to occupied city of Ceuta and falsely claimed that the Spanish border would be open.
Morocco’s government has insisted that the migration barrier did not collapse solely because of smugglers but also because of the interpretations of the ruling, stressing and reiterating Rabat’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities and obligations.
The ruling stated that migrants arriving by sea could not be subject to immediate returns, obstructing the swift return of migrants, including minors.
The majority of migrants who entered the enclave have returned to Morocco through voluntary initiatives or deportations under an emergency agreement between Rabat and Madrid following the crossing. Morocco has also urged for speeding up of the return of all people, including minors that are still in the occupied city.
Morocco has also called for speeding up the return of all people, including minors, who remain in the occupied city.
Despite Morocco’s efforts and cooperation, many, including far-right politicians, have used anti-Moroccan rhetoric to criticize the Spanish government.
Morocco’s government has also stressed that the country has acted as a sovereign and responsible partner in tackling irregular migration, emphasizing that this requires shared responsibility and that its commitment does not mean Morocco is acting under pressure, out of obligation, or in response to blackmail.
Morocco’s commitment has always been a guiding principle of its actions, the government has said, a position the monarch also recalled in his strongly worded speech today against those who express anti-Moroccan sentiment in their media and political discourse.
In response to “irresponsible statements” by certain political and media circles and their blatant exploitation of the situation, the King stated that Morocco affirms “that this partnership is a sovereign choice and a voluntary commitment. It will never be subject to any pressure, threat, or blackmail.”
The international community, including EU countries and beyond, has long emphasized the importance of Morocco’s strong approach in tackling irregular migration, describing it as a credible partner in this area.
Official data show Morocco intercepted 73,640 irregular migration attempts in 2025, a 6.4% decline from the previous year.
The decline is attributed to tightened border controls that pushed migrants flows toward alternative routes across West Africa and the southern Mediterranean.
Each year, Morocco announces a similar decline in the number of migrant attempts, emphasizing the importance of its security approach in tackling the crisis.
In 2025, Morocco also dismantled over 300 smuggling networks.
