Dynamics in emigration and immigration policies of Morocco: a double engagement

Abstract

Migration policies of Morocco face diverse challenges such as the maintenance of close ties with Moroccans abroad, enhancing development through emigration but also the management of irregular migration to and through Morocco. Since 1990s, the official discourse of the state vis-à-vis the diaspora ceased to be against the integration of Moroccans in host countries and the state initiated new institutions to forge transnational ties. With its new institutions addressing the needs of Moroccans abroad, the Moroccan state prioritized the human rights of their emigrants at least at discursive level. As the state continues to have interest in controlling remittances and channelling them into investment, emigration remains high on the political agenda. Concurrently, another major concern for the authorities has been control of irregular border crossings through Morocco. The Moroccan state, pressured by the EU, enhanced its border controls through technical and financial assistance by the EU and introduced new laws and institutions to deal with immigration. This process arguably resulted in coercive measures taken against irregular border crossings, hence criticized as undermining the human rights of irregular migrants. This article explains an almost simultaneous emergence of institutions dealing with emigration and immigration aspects of international mobility in Morocco throughout 1990s and 2000s. It argues that ongoing emigration experience and close relations with emigrants may have positive impact on discourses on the treatment of immigrants within the country and eventually on immigration policies.