Rabat - The Ministry in Charge of Moroccans Living Abroad and Immigration Affairs, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and with the support of the Federation of Switzerland, organized a two days seminar on the policy of integration of immigrations in Morocco.
The focus of the seminar was “the New immigration Policy: What Strategy to integrate Immigrants?”
This international seminar, which was held in Rabat, comes two months after Morocco started the process of legalization of immigrants. The main objectives of the event was to put forth the foundations of building a Moroccan Model to integrate immigrants both in theory and practice and to implement procedures conducive to social, cultural and economic integration.
In statement to the press, Mr. Aniss Birou, Minister of immigration, said that this seminar “will enable Morocco to finalize its immigration model, and offer immigrants who are willing to stay in the kingdom a chance for a better future to realize the Moroccan dream."
During the period of two months, the National Commission of Records received over 13,000 requests of residency, a significant number that can show the constructive interaction of migrants with this process
"We need to have a full knowledge of immigrants' particularities so they can not only live in Morocco but also participate in its economic development. The residency card will give them rights, but we also expect to see them involved in what is happening in Moroccan society, and this is the model we are building for the future," Mr. Birou said.
Many civil society organizations and NGO's participated in the seminar to provide ideas and shed light onthe issues that migrants face on a daily basis.
Mr. Reuben Ymoh Odoi, a singer and immigration activist from Ghana, applauded the initiative of the seminar to build new strategies and best practices on how to solve immigration issues. He expressed the hope that the Ministry in charge of immigration will take the ideas of activists into consideration.
He said that "the issue is not only building a model, but to offer a better system than the one European countries have in place. If it is practical and well thought of, Morocco will set an example for other African countries to follow."
"The recommendations that were suggested by the civil society, immigration organizations and NOG's are going to guide Morocco to the process of regularization and integration. Yet, Morocco can't only give documents to people without integrating them in the Moroccan Society," he added.
A key factor that can yield successful result is approaching the migrants in question and trying to analyze their problems in a humane and practical manner to come up with the right, appropriate solution.
"The work of associations and NGO's is not enough, they should go to the streets and meet people, ask them what they want. We can't impose our way of thinking on them, we have to also know what they have in mind, for they have different cultures and backgrounds," he said.
For Mr. Odoi, Morocco is “still not the dream country for most migrants,” but initiatives of real integration will change this attitude and make migrants not only stay, but also prosper and participate in the economic development.
"At the moment, most migrants do not dream to stay in Morocco, but if the country comes up with a practical strategy to integrate them, Morocco will be a country of residence. The Economic factor is key for migrants stability. If Morocco gives them the opportunity and integrate them comfortably, instead of being a liability on Moroccan economy, they can also participate in development and create jobs," he said.