Deportations of undocumented Moroccans doubled, Belgium State Secretary says

Belgium has repatriated 119 undocumented Moroccans residing in the country in the first five months of this year. This is more than double the 55 Moroccans returned to Morocco during the same period last year, according to news agency Belga on Thursday.

Belgian State Secretary Nicole de Moor attributed the increase to improved cooperation with Morocco. In April, a Belgian government mission secured new agreements for the return of those considered to be illegally present, particularly individuals with criminal records.

Since the April mission, deportations have risen significantly. The monthly average jumped from 14 in the first few months of 2024 to 37 in May.

De Moor aims to further increase the deportation rate. She recently received parliamentary approval for her «persistent return policy», which grants authorities greater flexibility in carrying out deportations.

This renewed cooperation with Morocco follows a period of cautious improvement that began in late 2023. Prior to this, deportations were hindered by Morocco's refusal to issue transit documents, Belgian media reported.