DR ‹ › On Tuesday, Algerian authorities handed over a new group of 37 Moroccan nationals via the Colonel Lotfi border crossing, known as «Zouj Bghal». The individuals were either attempting irregular migration or were present in Algeria without legal status, according to the Moroccan Association for Assisting Migrants in Difficult Situations in Oujda. In a statement, the association said all those deported were men, noting that this marks the third such group since the beginning of the year. It added that most originate from cities in eastern Morocco, as well as others including Oujda, Nador, Selouane, Tangier, Taza, Taounate, Fez, Meknes, Guelmim, Laayoune, and Azilal. The association also reported that it is currently handling more than 550 cases of Moroccan migrants in Algeria, including over 120 pending deportation. These involve prisoners, detainees, and individuals held in administrative custody awaiting the completion of legal procedures. It noted that new cases are reported daily, some involving individuals who have received initial sentences of more than 10 years in prison. In this context, the association said it has begun taking further steps, including sending a letter to Algerian authorities, addressed to the President, calling for a general amnesty. It also plans to contact the Ministries of Justice and Interior to request the release of all Moroccan detainees and prisoners, including irregular migrants, as well as migrants from Sub-Saharan African countries. The association further called for the repatriation of the remains of six deceased Moroccans currently held in morgues in Tlemcen, Oran, and Béchar, so their families can proceed with burial and funeral rites.
