SALE, Morocco – Morocco has unveiled details of an exceptional - TopicsExpress



          

SALE, Morocco – Morocco has unveiled details of an exceptional operation to give official papers to some of its 25,000-40,000 illegal immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa, many of whom hope to reach Europe. The scheme, unveiled on Monday, November 11, is part of a new migration policy which the north African kingdom promised back in September in the face of growing international criticism. The exceptional operation to regularize the situation of foreigners residing illegally in Morocco will be rolled out throughout next year, Interior Minister Mohamed Hassad and Migration Minister Anis Birou told a press conference in Sale, near Rabat. Under the new scheme some 850 immigrants recognized as bona fide asylum-seekers by the UNs refugee agency (UNHCR) will automatically be given legal residency rights, according to Moroccan officials. A list of criteria will be drawn up for others hoping to be considered for the same treatment. The key tests for legalized residency, taking into account the number of years spent in Morocco, the legal status of a spouse or parents, employment record and medical history. The avant garde program is in response to the recent waves of illegal immigrants, said Hassad. He added that between 25,000 and 40,000 clandestine immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa were currently in Morocco... Moroccos planned measures arise from a strong wish expressed by the king, Hassad said. The new plan was first announced in September after Moroccos National Human Rights Council (CNDH) issued a report calling for a radically new asylum and immigration policy, to which King Mohamed VI responded by admitting legitimate concerns. Those concerns had been rising amid reports of racist violence.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 09:12:33 +0000

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