Consultancy Study: Mixed Migration to and through Morocco and Mixed Migration Monitoring Mechanism Initiative (4Mi) Assessment

Background

The Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) is a leading source for independent and high-quality data, research, analysis and expertise on mixed migration. MMC aims to increase understanding of mixed migration, to positively impact global and regional migration policies, to inform evidence-based protection responses for people on the move and to stimulate forward thinking in public and policy debates on mixed migration. MMC’s overarching focus is on human rights and protection for all people on the move. MMC focuses on 7 core regions, with regional teams in each of these: Eastern Africa & Yemen, North Africa, West Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe. Read more about MMC here: www.mixedmigration.org. MMC is part of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), a leading humanitarian organization responding to displacement and mixed migration in 40 countries.

Since 2014, MMC has been implementing the Mixed Migration Monitoring Mechanism initiative (4Mi), a growing network of monitors stationed in key migration hubs in more than 20 countries, who interview refugees and migrants on the move.4Mi provides a solid evidence base on the needs and protection incidents facing people on the move. In North Africa, 4Mi has been active and implemented in Libya (since 2017), Tunisia (since 2019) and Sudan (since 2020). Since April 2020, the 4Mi survey has been adapted and updated to fit with the current changing and challenging context impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 worldwide and across the region. Read more about 4Mi here: http://www.mixedmigration.org/4mi/.

Context

The Mixed Migration Monitoring Mechanism Initiative (4Mi) consists of a unique network of field monitors situated along frequently used routes and in major migratory hubs. It aims to offer a regular, standardized, quantitative system of collecting primary data on mixed migration.

Field monitors are trained and closely supervised and use a smart phone-based survey application to record and transmit completed interviews to regional 4Mi hubs for storage and analysis. 4Mi uses standard closed question surveys to invite respondents to anonymously self-report on a wide range of issues, including migratory drivers, means of movement, conditions of movement, the smuggler economy, aspirations and destination choices, and protection incidents. Since April 2020, all 4Mi surveys across the region are conducted remotely to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of both respondents and field monitors in light of the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose of the study

The primary objectives of the consultant will be to prepare 1) a state-of-the-art study into the mixed migration drivers and dynamics to and through Morocco as well as 2) an assessment of the feasibility of implementing the 4Mi project in the country. Geographically close to Europe, Morocco is both a transit and destination country for refugees and migrants. While the total number of refugees and migrants in Morocco is unknown, according to UNHCR, there were a total of 11,149 registered refugees and asylum seekers, originating from more than 40 different countries of origin, present in the country as of May 31st, 2020. In recent years, the Western Mediterranean Route (WMR) from West Africa towards the Spanish enclaves Ceuta and Melilla and mainland Spain has become more popular among migrants, generating increasing numbers of people on the move in Morocco (IOM). Protection risks faced by migrants include mass arrests and deportations (with thousands reportedly being deported and expelled in 2019); overcrowded housing arrangements, with no regular access to water and electricity; and a reported lack of livelihood opportunities potentially leading to food insecurity. While large-scale, quantitative data sources on mixed migration dynamics and refugee and migrant livelihoods in Morocco are limited, this study will serve as a starting point to better understand the different factors impacting the mixed migration context in the country. Moreover, it will address how to serve best programmatic needs in terms of data collection, in particular aiming at those working on the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 response in Morocco to assist the most vulnerable refugees and migrants.

For more information on the vacancy, click here.

Deadline for application: 9 October 2020.