Algeria has again made the introduction of visa requirements for Morocco passport holders. There were various reasons cited by the Algerian authorities including destabilisation actions such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, espionage and the presence of Zionist Agents.
Both the countries lifted the visa requirements 2 decades back but the dire situations have forced an imposition of stricter rules and regulations. The move marks the escalations in the already strained relations between Algeria and Morocco that served as needed diplomatic ties in 2021.
Algeria continued to waive the need for visa so as to maintain cordial relations between the two nations but the dispute started from Morocco’s stance on western Sahara, which it sees as its territory. Contrast to this, Algeria supports the Polisario Front, the party that seeks independence for the Sahrawi people who call the arid desert region their home.
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The region remains a boiling hotspot both in mercury wise and conflict tensions wise as the UN still recognises Spain as the colonial administrative power for the region and is advocating for a referendum for deciding the fate of the disputed region. Meanwhile Algeria now is on the backfoot as Morocco has gained the support of the United Nations and Spain.
