Forced Migration in the OIC Member Countries:
Policy Framework Adopted by Host Countries
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3.3.4. Conclusions and Assessment of Impacts of Forced Migration
The efforts taken by the Moroccan government to create a national asylum law represent an
important step toward ensuring sufficient protection for asylum seekers and refugees in the
country—and a model for the region. Morocco is growing to accept its role as a country of
origin, transit, and destination through a variety of programs designed to facilitate immigrant
integration while curbing irregular migration. While the final form of the national asylum
system is yet to be determined, it seems as of now that it will include strong provisions to
ensure forced migrants’ rights and protection. This marks a significant step in the region to
address the humanitarian protection issues presented by the flow of migrants through North
Africa.
Yet barriers to the SNIA’s effective implementation remain. Despite the creation of many
programs designed to improve the situation of migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in
Morocco, structural barriers prevent them from reaching their full potential. One problem has
been program coordination, especially as projects are often driven by the varying interests of
NGOs, foreign actors, and different government ministries. As a newly reestablished entity,
MCMREAM remains small and has little experience with the challenges of immigrant
integration it now oversees.
Another challenge is weak public support for immigration. While the public largely
empathizes with forced migrants, especially fellow Arabs and Muslims such as Syrians, the
sudden increase in news coverage has given many Moroccans the impression that the
government is dedicating a large amount of resources to integrate them. MCMREAM has
stressed the message of “equity rather than privilege,” to ensure the public that migrants are
not being prioritized over the Moroccan population.401 However, media scapegoating of
migrants and incidents of tension in mixed neighborhoods continues to exacerbate negative
stereotypes of the migrant and refugee communities.402
In such a domestic climate, it is politically difficult for the Moroccan government to take a
strong open stance toward receiving and integrating forced migrants. As shown even for the
Syrians, who are viewed positively by the public, creating favorable policies risks attracting a
level of migration beyond the government’s limited capacity. This is especially true if Morocco
remains the only country in the region to enact such open policies. Despite these difficulties,
Morocco remains dedicated to creating a comprehensive asylum and migration regime based
on international law and recognition of universal human rights. As these legal frameworks
continue to be developed in accordance with the SNIA and are eventually implemented, it
remains to be seen whether this commitment can withstand the internal and external
pressures facing the country. If it can, the result would be significant. Morocco, which in 1957
was the first country in the region to sign the 1951 Convention, could once again lead the way
on migration and asylum.
401 Interview with MCMREAM conducted by Wiam Khalifa, 2016
402 Conclusion drawn from an analysis of reporting on public opinion through several events that stirred a debate on
xenophobia and racism, namely the publication of a popular magazine with the title of “Black Danger” on its front cover.