Moroccan authorities prevented 78,685 migrants from illegally crossing into Europe in 2024, marking a 4.6% increase from the previous year, the Interior Ministry announced on Thursday.
The surge in migration attempts reflects increasing pressure in a volatile regional environment, the ministry stated in response to inquiries from Reuters.
According to official data, 58% of the migrants originated from West Africa, 12% from North Africa, and 9% from East and Central Africa. Persistent conflicts in the Sahel region, rising unemployment, and the impact of climate change on agricultural communities continue to drive migration toward Europe.
Morocco, in collaboration with Spain, has intensified efforts to curb undocumented migration. In 2024, authorities recorded 14 group attempts to breach the borders of Spain’s North African enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla—more than double the six incidents reported in 2023.
Rescue operations also increased, with Moroccan officials saving 18,645 migrants from unseaworthy boats, reflecting a 10.8% rise compared to the previous year.
Despite these efforts, tragedies continue. In January, up to 50 migrants were feared drowned while attempting to reach Spain’s Canary Islands, underscoring the deadly risks associated with irregular migration.