In a significant escalation of tensions, Algeria announced on Thursday, September 26, that it will impose visa requirements on Moroccan citizens. This decision comes amid accusations from Algeria, claiming that Moroccan passport holders are involved in criminal activities, including "Zionist espionage."
Algeria’s official news agency, APS, released a statement alleging that Morocco has engaged in actions threatening Algeria’s security. The statement accused Morocco of allowing "Zionist espionage agents with Moroccan passports" to enter Algeria, claiming these agents were linked to organized crime, drug trafficking, human smuggling, and illegal immigration.
This follows the recent arrest of seven people, including four Moroccans, in the Algerian city of Tlemcen earlier this month. The group is suspected of being part of a spy network. Algeria has also accused Morocco of supporting the Berber separatist group, the Movement for the Autonomy of Kabylie (MAK), which Algeria considers a terrorist organization.
Diplomatic relations between the two North African nations were severed in August 2021, after Morocco normalized relations with Israel, a move that was part of a deal brokered by the U.S. under then-President Donald Trump, who recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. The long-standing conflict over Western Sahara, a territory largely controlled by Morocco but supported by Algeria’s Polisario Front, has fueled decades of hostility between the two countries.
Although there have been no direct flights between Algeria and Morocco for some time, citizens of both countries previously enjoyed visa-free travel. Algeria insists it remains committed to its relationship with the "brotherly" Moroccan people, but blames Moroccan authorities for the worsening diplomatic situation.
Morocco has yet to respond to Algeria's latest decision.
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