Algerian authorities have repatriated 22 Moroccan citizens who were attempting to migrate irregularly. The handover took place at the Zouj Beghal border post in Oujda, Morocco, according to the Moroccan Association for Assistance to Migrants in Difficult Situations.
The 22 individuals were released after serving prison sentences in Algeria. This follows the recent release of 17 other young Moroccans who were detained in similar circumstances.
The association noted that there are still over 400 Moroccan citizens missing or detained in Algeria, including six bodies whose families are awaiting repatriation. Two of the bodies belong to young women from the eastern region of Morocco.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway to return the bodies of two Algerian men who drowned in the Mediterranean Sea near the Boudinar community. The process has been delayed due to the severed diplomatic relations between Morocco and Algeria, making it difficult to transfer the bodies and verify identities.
The association has called for the reopening of the border or the establishment of temporary humanitarian corridors in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international humanitarian organizations.