Germany Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, began today a two-day visit to Morocco to facilitate deportations, promoting the migration of qualified labor, and strengthening cooperation on security matters with the Moroccan Government, according to the German news agency DPA.
This visit follows Faeser’s recent presentation of measures to expedite the deportation of foreign nationals from Germany, despite an increase in the number of repatriations compared to the previous year.
Morocco’s government has shown little interest in repatriating its deported nationals.
The visit of German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser coincides with German government’s efforts to address immigration and border security concerns. Some political figures in Germany have criticized the proposed measures, calling for stricter measures at the external borders of the European Union and expanding the list of safe countries of origin, including Morocco.
Germany has been negotiating with several African countries, including Morocco, regarding immigration agreements, as part of the government’s plan to manage borders and address immigration challenges. This is in exchange for attracting skilled labor from these countries, which enjoys support from the majority of Germans.
Classifying Morocco as a “safe country of origin” would limit the ability of Moroccan citizens to seek asylum in Germany, as safe countries of origin are considered those with a stable democratic system and a lack of persecution.
Apart from immigration issues, discussions between German and Moroccan officials are expected to include security and intelligence cooperation.
Both countries have been cooperating in the fight against terrorism, clandestine immigration, border security, and the exchange of information and expertise to enhance security cooperation. Last October, they agreed to strengthen operational cooperation in countering terrorism, extremism, cross-border crime, and other security threats affecting their citizens.