Illegal emigration: 149 persons arrested in Morocco

Moroccan authorities arrested on March 14-16 some 149 illegal emigrants who were attempting to cross clandestinely to Europe.

They included 48 Moroccans and 101 from other nationalities, according to the Interior Ministry, which pointed out that the arrests took place in different regions.

Thousands of would-be emigrants are arrested every year in Morocco as they endeavor to cross to Europe seeking better opportunities.

According to figures released last month, the number of illegal emigrants reaching Spain on make-shift boats dropped 18 per cent in 2004, compared to 2003. The decrease is due to the Moroccan-Spanish cooperation in the fight against this phenomenon.

Over 26,000 attempts of illegal migration were foiled in 2004, including 4,989 in southern Morocco. 423 human smuggling networks were dismantled in the same year.