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On the sidelines of the semi-annual meeting of consuls general organized by Morocco at the initiative of the Kingdom’s embassy in France, high-level officials from the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs, including the two co-chairs of the Moroccan-French permanent joint group on migration, held an unprecedented meeting at the embassy’s headquarters, yesterday, Friday, November 30. 2024, at the invitation of the Kingdom of Morocco.
According to a joint communiqué issued after the conclusion of the meeting, the French delegation included the Director of Immigration at the Ministry of the Interior and co-chair of the Moroccan-French Permanent Joint Group on Migration, Simone Feit, the Diplomatic Advisor to the Minister of the Interior, Mathilde Grammont, the Deputy Ambassador in charge of Migration at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Frédéric Remaud, and the President Deportation Pole at the Immigration Directorate, Delphine Montuel. As for the Moroccan side, it included the governor, the director of the Directorate of Immigration and Border Control, the co-chair of the Moroccan-French permanent joint group on migration, Khaled Zerouali, the director of the General Information Directorate of the General Directorate of National Security, Bouchti Fahli, and the director of consular and social affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Cooperation. And Moroccans residing abroad, Fouad Al-Qadmiri, and Samira Sitail, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to France.
The communication explained that the meeting focused on cooperation in the field of readmission and prevention of departure, in addition to improvement points that would facilitate cooperation in the issue of consular transit permits, which are the documents required to enforce obligations to leave French territory.
Following this meeting, which is considered an extension of the meeting held by the Permanent Joint Group on Migration on October 3 in Marrakesh, the French delegation exchanged views with the seventeen Moroccan consuls general spread across French territory (Paris, Orly, Pontoise, Villemomble, Mantes-la-Jolie, Colombes, Lille, Lyon, Montpellier, Marseille and Toulouse). Bordeaux, Rennes, Orléans, Dijon, Strasbourg and Bastia).
This session, which lasted two hours, enabled a fruitful exchange of information and opinions between the Moroccan consuls general and representatives of the French side.
This session, which took the form of questions and answers between the two parties, aimed to strengthen the full cooperation system in the field of immigration between the Kingdom of Morocco and France, where consular work constitutes a pivotal element in this cooperation. The communication indicated that this innovative approach aims to respond to the will expressed by the leaders of the two countries, His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the President of the French Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, during the state visit that took place in Rabat from 28 to 30 last October.
As stated in the Declaration on the Extraordinary Close Partnership signed by the two heads of state on October 28, 2024, the goal is: “to set a comprehensive agenda in this field, which includes, at the same time, facilitating regular movements, combating irregular migration, and cooperation in the field of readmission.” Preventing departures by illegal means, as well as enhancing coordination between countries of source, countries of transit, and countries of residence, on the basis of the principle of shared responsibility.”
This meeting, the joint statement adds, also comes within the framework of continuing exchanges between Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit and his French counterpart, Bruno Ritayo, who held a working session on the sidelines of the French President’s state visit to Rabat on October 29. At the end of the meeting, the two parties expressed their satisfaction with the quality of exemplary cooperation in the field of immigration between Morocco and France, as evidenced by the improvement in indicators related to readmission.
They praised the role of both governors and consuls general, who are at the heart of the strategy and vision developed within the framework of the joint Moroccan-French permanent group on migration. Thus, the two parties agreed that governors and consuls general will continue to encourage direct communication as much as possible to improve cooperation between the two parties. The Moroccan side praised the efforts made by France to enhance legal mobility, especially for students, noting with satisfaction the positive trend in visa grant rates. Protecting the rights of the Moroccan community residing in France, which is the pillar of human, cultural and economic relations between the two countries, was also at the core of the exchanges.
For its part, the French side praised the efforts made by Morocco in the field of managing migration flows, noting the continuous improvement of this cooperation. Finally, the French side expressed its gratitude to Morocco for organizing this meeting, which enabled the implementation of the strategy desired by France and Morocco in the field of cooperation in the field of migration. It will be evaluated at the next meeting of the Moroccan-French permanent joint group on migration, which will be held in France in the first semester of 2025.
It is noteworthy that the Moroccan-French permanent joint group on migration was created in May 2018, and its first meeting was held in Marrakesh.
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What specific challenges related to irregular migration are the discussions aiming to address?
## Interview with a Diplomatic Expert
**Host:** Welcome to the show! Today, we’re discussing the recent high-level meetings between Morocco and France focusing on migration cooperation. Joining us is Dr. Ahmed Benali, a renowned expert on North African diplomacy. Dr. Benali, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Benali:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** France and Morocco recently signed several agreements during President Macron’s visit.
Our research shows these deals focused on sectors like energy and infrastructure, totaling up to 10 billion euros. [[1](https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20241028-france-morocco-sign-deals-worth-over-10-billion-euros-during-macron-visit)]
But there’s also been significant dialog on migration. Could you elaborate on these discussions?
**Dr. Benali:** Absolutely. Beyond the economic agreements, a key focus of the Macron visit and subsequent meetings revolved around strengthening cooperation on migration issues.
Just recently, high-level officials from both countries met to discuss readmission, preventing irregular departures, and streamlining consular transit permits for individuals subject to deportation orders from France. [[2]]
This meeting builds upon talks held earlier in Marrakech and reflects a shared commitment from both countries, stemming from the declaration signed by King Mohammed VI and President Macron in October.
**Host:** This declaration emphasizes a multi-pronged approach to migration,
including facilitating legal migration while combatting irregular migration. How does this meeting fit into that wider context?
**Dr. Benali:** The meeting is a concrete step towards implementing the vision outlined in the declaration. It focuses on enhancing practical cooperation and coordination at the consular level,
which is crucial for addressing the day-to-day complexities of migration management. The fact that the French delegation met with Moroccan consuls general across France highlights the seriousness of this commitment.
**Host:** What are the potential implications of this deepened cooperation between Morocco and France on migration?
**Dr. Benali:** We could witness smoother and more efficient return processes for individuals subject to deportation orders.
Furthermore, by addressing the root causes of irregular migration and promoting legal pathways,
this collaboration could contribute to a more humane and sustainable approach to migration management in the long term.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Benali, for providing such insightful analysis on this important topic.
**Dr. Benali:** It’s my pleasure.
