Morocco dismantles migrant camps, deports hundreds

Morocco dismantled African migrant camps near the Spanish enclave of Melilla, and deported hundreds of migrants to an unknown destination, local sources told Xinhua on Wednesday.

The operation started early Tuesday when hundreds of security forces began removing the camps in the forests and hills surrounding Melillia, where hundreds of migrants were waiting for months the chance to cross into the Spanish city.

An official with the Moroccan Association of Human Rights said that authorities took the migrants to an unknown location so as to sent them back to their countries.

More than 1200 migrants were taken away in several buses after they were given new clothes and showers, he added.

The operation comes after Monday's announcement that Morocco legalized the status of around 18,000 people or 65 percent of migrants during 2014, the first year in which the country carried out its new immigration policy.

Charki Draiss, deputy interior minister, told a press conference that Morocco will demolish illegal camp houses of immigrants trying to reach Europe, and trafficking gangs would also be targeted.

He also said that some 27,000 migrants have applied, while those rejected might appeal the decision.

The minister said that those with legal documents will be granted access to state-run health care, training and education, and will be integrated into the society.

Thousands of migrants fleeing poverty and turmoil in Africa attempted to cross into Europe annually via Morocco, either by land into Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish ports in the Moroccan territory, or by sea to Spain or Italy, often in flimsy vessels.

However, after Europe and Morocco tightened security in the strait of Gibraltar, Morocco became a host country for migrants.

Morocco announced last year a campaign to legalize the status of illegal migrants stranded in the country at the request of local human rights bodies. Endit