Morocco and the Netherlands Collaborate on Unaccompanied Minors Center
In a significant diplomatic exchange between Rabat and The Hague, Morocco has outlined a project to establish a center aimed at accommodating 400 unaccompanied minors. This ambitious initiative is expected to have a budget of €9 million, with the Netherlands potentially contributing €3 million as part of their investment in this humanitarian effort. Discussions surrounding the project began in 2024 and were documented in a diplomatic report from April 2026, indicating the ongoing commitment of both nations to address the challenges faced by unaccompanied minors.
The proposal was detailed in an email dated June 20, 2024, where Dutch officials reviewed Rabat's suggestion to create a multifunctional center dedicated to the reception and support of unaccompanied minors. The discussions are part of recently released Dutch administrative documents that shed light on the collaboration between the two countries. A significant number of the minors targeted by this initiative are believed to be at risk of leaving Morocco irregularly, while a smaller group would consist of those returning from the Netherlands, aimed at facilitating their reintegration.
Project Scope and Future Developments
The initiative is designed to span over five years, with plans allocating two years for construction and three years for operational activities. The anticipated budget of €9 million underscores the seriousness of this project, with a third of the funding, approximately €3 million, expected to come from the Dutch government. In July 2024, Dutch officials deliberated on two main options: constructing a new facility or repurposing existing buildings to serve the center's needs. They are keen to ensure that the proposed capacity aligns with the anticipated number of youths to be accommodated.
The Dutch Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) may provide its expertise in the design and operation of the center, collaborating closely with the Moroccan Ministry of Solidarity to clarify the operational needs and responsibilities of both partners. This project is a continuation of a broader dialogue that began in February 2023, when Rabat and The Hague discussed the return of Moroccan unaccompanied minors during a visit by Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit to the Netherlands.
Progress on this matter has been made at the diplomatic level, with discussions in January 2025 involving the Dutch ambassador in Morocco, where the center was highlighted as a crucial element in facilitating the return of affected minors. More than a year later, the topic remains relevant, as evidenced by a report dated April 7, 2026, following a bilateral meeting held a few days prior, reaffirming ongoing discussions about the joint establishment of this center. The details of the Dutch financial contribution and the operationalization of the center are yet to be finalized, marking the continued evolution of this cooperative effort.
As reported by bladi.net.
