Innovative Franco-Moroccan Meeting in Paris to Enhance Migration Procedures

A significant Franco-Moroccan meeting was held recently in Paris to strengthen collaboration on migration management. Organized on the sidelines of the biannual seminar for Consuls General, this initiative brought together senior officials from both countries' Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs, including co-presidents of the Permanent Franco-Moroccan Mixed Migration Group (GMMP).  

The gathering, hosted by Morocco's embassy in France, focused on enhancing cooperation in key areas such as readmission processes, prevention of irregular migration, and the issuance of consular travel permits, essential for enforcing deportation orders.  

Key Participants and Objectives

The Moroccan delegation included officials from the Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Director of Migration and Border Surveillance. Similarly, the French delegation comprised senior representatives responsible for immigration and migration strategy. Both sides emphasized a shared commitment to refining procedural efficiency and fostering better collaboration.  

The meeting marked a continuation of discussions initiated at the October GMMP session in Marrakech. It also included an engaging two-hour exchange between French representatives and Morocco’s 17 Consuls General stationed across France. This dialogue facilitated the direct sharing of insights and strengthened the bilateral framework for migration cooperation.  

Aligned with High-Level Strategic Goals

This innovative approach reflects the vision expressed by the two nations' leaders during the French President's recent state visit to Morocco. Both countries are working toward a comprehensive migration agenda that balances facilitating legal mobility, combating irregular migration, and improving readmission coordination.  

In addition to addressing operational improvements, the meeting underscored the importance of protecting the Moroccan diaspora in France, a cornerstone of the countries' socio-economic and cultural ties.  

Acknowledging Progress and Next Steps

Participants celebrated progress in legal mobility initiatives, including increased visa issuance and enhanced opportunities for Moroccan students in France. Both parties recognized the role of consuls and prefects in driving closer collaboration.  

The meeting concluded with a mutual acknowledgment of the exemplary migration cooperation between the two countries. Plans for further evaluations were set, with the next GMMP session scheduled for early 2025 in France.  

Since its inception in 2018, the GMMP has served as a critical platform for advancing bilateral migration strategies, ensuring both nations continue to address shared challenges effectively.