Strengthening the Protection of Migrant Workers in Morocco
In a significant move reflecting its commitment to social and economic inclusion, Morocco has initiated a national campaign aimed at enhancing the protection of migrant and refugee workers. This campaign, led by the principal Moroccan trade union federations—including the Moroccan Labor Union (UMT), the General Union of Moroccan Workers (UGTM), and the Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT)—was officially launched on May 12th and focuses on raising awareness about the rights of migrant workers throughout the country.
Supported technically by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and financed by Swiss Cooperation, this initiative is part of a broader project titled “Support for the Integration and Protection of Migrant Workers in the Moroccan Labor Market.” This campaign signifies a progressive shift in Morocco's migration governance model, which has received accolades from various international partners for its comprehensive approach that successfully intertwines social integration, legal protection, and economic inclusion.
Promoting Economic Development and Legal Security
The organizers of the campaign emphasize the crucial role that migrants play in bolstering the nation’s economy and enriching its social and cultural fabric. This initiative builds upon the momentum generated by the signing of a joint charter in 2022 that united labor unions with the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), signifying a concerted effort to foster a more inclusive labor market amidst the growing influx of foreign workers into the kingdom.
Data from the High Commission for Planning (HCP) reveals that Morocco is home to nearly 148,000 foreign residents, with 54% actively engaged in the workforce. Notably, 38% of these foreign residents possess higher education degrees, underscoring their potential contributions to various economic sectors. The campaign is set to be implemented across several strategic economic hubs, including Tangiers-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, and Agadir, utilizing a multi-channel approach that encompasses digital outreach, public displays, training workshops, and workplace awareness initiatives.
The primary objective of this campaign is to enhance access to legal information for migrant workers, while simultaneously reminding employers of their obligations to ensure decent working conditions and social compliance. The unions have reiterated that “the rights of migrant workers are fully guaranteed by law” and have emphasized that legal recourse is available for any violations of those rights. This initiative aims not only to strengthen legal security within the labor market but also to reinforce Morocco's attractiveness as an economic destination.
Beyond mere regulatory measures, this campaign seeks to instill the principles of equal opportunity and social justice within the Moroccan labor landscape. By uniting civil society, media, and economic stakeholders, the project aspires to cultivate a more inclusive work environment, aligning with Morocco's ambitions to establish itself as a stable, open, and internationally connected regional hub. The initiative represents a crucial step toward enhancing the rights and protections of migrant workers, ensuring their invaluable contributions to the Moroccan economy are recognized and safeguarded.
As reported by apanews.net.
