Tim McNulty
SPAIN has agreed a plan that will see some migrant boats returned to Morocco in attempt to curb migrant flows.
Under the new strategy Spain’s sea rescue service, Salvamento Maritimo,will be allowed to disembark rescued migrants at Moroccan ports.
Before, migrants caught trying to cross the western Mediterranean were brought to Spanish ports even if they were picked up nearer the Moroccan coast.
The move comes as the Government of Pedro Sanchez looks to halve the number of illegal migrants, after 2018 saw a record 62,000 arrivals.
According to El Pais, government sources said: “Salvamento Marítimo rescues people in danger in Spanish waters and leads them to the closest safe ports, which are the Spanish.
“But also, and given the good relations with Morocco, it will provide assistance to the Moroccan Navy if it needs it.
“In that case, the rescued people will be taken to the nearest safe harbour, which will be Moroccan.”
