The Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “Mauritania will remain a welcoming land for foreign residents in a lawful status and will combat irregular migration without leniency.
Mauritania has reaffirmed its strong commitment to promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration, as well as its firm determination to combat irregular migration flows and to relentlessly address the networks associated with them.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad, in a statement issued today, Sunday, emphasized that Mauritania will always remain a welcoming land for foreign residents in a lawful and proper status, particularly those coming from neighboring countries. This principle is unwavering, deeply rooted in a shared heritage of cohesion and exchange.
Here is the full text of the statement:
“Over the last few days, a large section of Mauritanian public opinion has been gripped by a debate that is crucial yet complex: the migration issue.
While many voices have contributed to the discussion, some perspectives however are often expressed through commentary and analysis, made in ignorance of the human complexity inherent to situation. Unfortunately, certain narratives appear to be driven by misinformation and, in some cases, intentional misrepresentation.
As a result, a great deal of information on this subject has been disseminated here and there, mixing confusion, alarmism, misinformation and overstatement. The circles spreading these messages are confusing three aspects of migration, with different registers and statuses, both in terms of regulations and in terms of the principles, practices and legal framework that apply to each of the three cases. Being aware of the importance of informed debate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad wishes to clarify the following:
Mauritania experiences three primary types of migration, mainly from neighboring countries:
– Regular migration
– Refugee migration
– Irregular migration
Mauritania has long welcomed nationals from both its northern and southern neighboring countries, including refugees and traditional migrants. The status of these groups is regulated by bilateral and/or international agreements. Each of these nationals, in accordance with their specific situation, are considered to be legal residents, enjoying full rights in their second homeland, Mauritania, on the basis of the residence permit they hold.
Historically, Mauritania and its neighboring nations—both to the north and south—have shared an interconnected space where population mobility has been a natural and continuous phenomenon across generations. Beyond geography, these nations are bound by deep kinship ties, a shared historical legacy, and diverse cultural traditions, all shaped by a common foundation of tolerant Sunni Islam.
With full awareness of this rich historical, cultural, religious, and social heritage, Mauritania has consistently worked to strengthen and preserve the bonds of friendship, brotherhood, and good neighborliness, despite challenges.
However, irregular migration has emerged as a contemporary challenge that, if not properly managed, risks undermining the longstanding spirit of mutual hospitality and trust among the people of these closely linked nations.
Today, irregular migration has reached levels that pose risks not only to the transit country but also to the countries of origin and destination. It is often associated with security challenges and illicit activities, including human trafficking. Additionally, it complicates and disrupts the orderly functioning of regular migration channels.
In close cooperation with neighboring countries, Mauritania has continuously worked to ensure that population mobility remains a process rooted in fraternity and mutual respect. This long-standing tradition of hospitality has never been interrupted.
Alongside its brotherly nations, Mauritania remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering regular, safe, and orderly migration while taking a firm stand against irregular migration and the criminal networks that sustain it.
Mauritania continues to be a welcoming land for legally residing foreign nationals, particularly those from neighboring countries. This fundamental principle is deeply rooted in a shared history of cultural exchange and mutual solidarity—an enduring legacy that remains unwavering”.