A Moroccan-French meeting in Paris to enhance cooperation on migration and mobility
In the context of strengthening Moroccan-French partnership in the field of migration, the Moroccan-French permanent joint group on migration held its seventh meeting today, Wednesday, in the French capital, Paris. High-level officials from the interior ministries of both countries participated to review progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss opportunities for its development, addressing common challenges and establishing a balanced vision for migration and mobility.
The meeting was chaired by Khalid Zerouali, the wali and director of migration and border control at the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior, and Frédéric Geoffroy, director of migration at the French Ministry of the Interior. This gathering is part of the implementation of the declaration on the “exceptional close partnership” signed on October 28, 2024, between King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron, marking the start of a new chapter in Moroccan-French relations.
According to a joint statement from the interior ministries of both countries, the declaration aims to formulate a comprehensive agenda for migration issues, including facilitating regular mobility, combating irregular migration, enhancing cooperation in areas of readmission and preventing departures, as well as coordinating efforts with countries of origin, transit, and residence based on the principle of shared responsibility.
Both parties emphasized the importance of the ministerial meeting that took place on April 14, 2025, in Rabat, which contributed to strengthening the foundations of cooperation and activating practical initiatives, most notably improving administrative procedures related to migration, standardizing indicators, and establishing a common network for analyzing migration data.
One of the key outcomes of the joint coordination is the launch of a bilateral mission to provide practical proposals regarding the identification and issuance of consular transit permits. This mission operated during May and June 2025 and presented its findings during the current meeting, noting significant progress in improving related procedures.
The meeting also discussed enhancing mechanisms for circular migration and the organized movement of seasonal workers, ensuring respect for rights, emphasizing the role of Moroccan communities in France and French communities in Morocco as a humanitarian bridge that deepens bilateral relations.
Regarding unaccompanied minors, the Moroccan side reaffirmed its commitment to the royal directives for their return after verifying their identities, within a framework of cooperation that respects the best interests of the child and relevant international agreements, based on the declaration of intent signed between the ministries of justice in December 2020.
The meeting concluded with both sides confirming a unified vision and significant alignment between Morocco and France in addressing security and regional challenges, particularly regarding the fight against organized crime that threatens stability, as they renewed their commitment to work together effectively to tackle it.
