Morocco has launched a second campaign to regularise the situations of illegal immigrants living in the kingdom.

The move is in accordance with the high instructions of King Mohammed VI.

The second phase of the campaign for the regularisation of the situation of illegal immigrants in Morocco was planned for the end of 2016, the National Commission in charge of Illegal Immigrants’ Regularisation said.

"During the king’s visits to sub-Saharan African countries, several Heads of State congratulated the Sovereign and the Kingdom of Morocco for its migration policy, which aims at promoting the economic and social integration of illegal immigrants mainly those from sub-Saharan African countries,” the commission added in a statement.

"Given the success of the first phase of the regularization campaign that took place in 2014, the king gave his high instructions for the launching of the second phase of the process, as already planned by the end of 2016.”

This second phase will take place under the same conditions as the first phase, which involved about 25,000 people.

In a speech to the nation on the anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, the King said that "Morocco was one of the first countries of the South to adopt a genuine solidarity-based policy regarding sub-Saharan migrants.”

Migration draws increasing attention in the world nowadays, experts say.

Mixed with elements of unforeseeability, emergency, and complexity, the challenges and difficulties of international migration require enhanced cooperation and collective action among countries and regions, according to the UN.

Rights activists say Morocco’s move demonstrates how nations should act to enhance the protection of refugees and migrants.

"This integrated policy, which is rooted in humanitarian values, is designed to make sure migrants’ rights and dignity are safeguarded,” king added.

"As part of the implementation of this policy, my country has, without any arrogance, pomposity or discrimination, regularized the situation of migrants using fair and reasonable standards. It has provided the conditions needed for migrants to reside, work and lead a dignified life within our community,” King Mohammed said.

Morocco is said to have long rejected the methods adopted by some to address migration issues and which have turned out to be a failure.

The International Migrants Day falls on December 18.

In a message ahead of the day, the outgoing UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon called on the international community to act on the global compact on safe, regular and orderly migration as an important contribution to building a world of peace, prosperity, dignity and opportunity for all.”

Agencies