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IOM: Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration for Sub-Sahara Migrants

Project completed

Tighter European borders have resulted in increased numbers of sub-Sahara migrants being stranded in Morocco where they live in precarious conditions without access to basic services and – due to Morocco’s reinforced fight against crime – are threatened by frequent raids and deportations. Under these circumstances, many wish to return to their country of origin. For the first time, the Moroccan government has expressed its willingness to contribute to a voluntary return scheme, subject to additional funding from donors.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Morocco
Humanitarian Assistance & DRR
Material relief assistance
15.12.2012 - 31.05.2014
 CHF  700’000
The project in brief
Background

  • Morocco is a country of transit and origin for migrants who wish to enter Europe. For many irregular sub-Sahara migrants, Morocco has increasingly become a country of destination.
  • Migrants often find themselves blocked on Moroccan territory for years, with no adequate access to basic services and in extremely vulnerable conditions. As a result of this desperate situation, many wish to return to their countries of origin.
  • Since early 2012 the situation of migrants in Morocco has become increasingly difficult: With the Government’s legitimate decision to intensify its fight against crime in general, there has been a remarkable tightening of measures against the Sub-Saharan community in Morocco, including frequent raids and deportations, accompanied by significant levels of violence.
  • The Moroccan Ministry of Interior has requested support from IOM to return 1000 migrants and offered to participate with in-kind contributions. It is the first time that Moroccan authorities are willing to partially fund a voluntary return scheme.

    		•
    Objectives

    Contribute to a dignified solution to stranded irregular migrants in Morocco and to reduce the pressure on Morocco and ultimately on Europe created by these irregular migration flows.
    Target groups

    370 Sub-Sahara migrants in Morocco. Although all irregular migrants are in a vulnerable position, priority will be given to the most vulnerable cases, such as unaccompanied minors, single mothers, migrants with medical concerns and victims of trafficking. Depending on possible co-funding scenarios (Moroccan Government, European countries), the proposal can target up to 1’000 beneficiaries.
    Medium-term outcomes

    Stranded, irregular migrants in Morocco returned home and are reintegrated into the communities in their countries of origin.
    Results

    Results from previous phases:  

    no previous phase
    Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
    Credit area Humanitarian aid
    Project partners Contract partner
    Other International Organization
    • International Organisation for Migration
    • International Organization for Migration (IOM)


    Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    700’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    700’000
    Project phases Phase 2 01.06.2014 - 31.07.2016   (Completed)

    Phase 1 15.12.2012 - 31.05.2014   (Completed)

    • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation EMERGENCY RESPONSE
      Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
      Material relief assistance and services
      Cross-cutting topics Human rights
      Specific project on gender equality.
      Type of support Official development assistance (ODA)
      Type of collaboration Bilateral cooperation
      Finance type Aid grant
      Aid Type Project and programme contribution
      Tied/untied aid Untied aid
      Project number

      7F08026

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    Last update 15.01.2024