Significant Developments in Driving License Exchange
On June 10, 2026, a landmark agreement was signed in Rabat between Morocco and Portugal, aimed at facilitating the exchange of driving licenses for Moroccan expatriates residing in Portugal. This agreement marks a significant shift, particularly for the estimated 15,000 Moroccans living in Portugal, who have long awaited this change. Previously, only category B licenses, which pertain to private cars, were eligible for exchange. However, the newly signed accord allows all categories of Moroccan driving licenses, including those for heavy goods vehicles and taxis, to be exchanged. This crucial update was formalized by Moroccan Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, alongside Portuguese Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz. The new agreement updates the previous convention established on May 22, 2003, which had become outdated and did not address the practical challenges faced by Moroccan drivers in Portugal.
Breaking Barriers for Moroccan Drivers in Portugal
This agreement effectively removes previous barriers that restricted Moroccan drivers, particularly those holding heavy vehicle licenses (category C) and passenger transport licenses (category D), from utilizing their qualifications in Portugal. The inability to exchange these licenses had resulted in significant hurdles for many members of the Moroccan community, limiting their employment opportunities and mobility. Now, any Moroccan who obtained their driving license prior to relocating to Portugal will be able to exchange it for an equivalent Portuguese license across all categories. This development is a monumental step towards enhancing the professional and social integration of Moroccans living in Portugal.
Additionally, the agreement stipulates that individuals holding a driving license from either Portugal or Morocco will be permitted to drive in the other country for a full year from their date of entry. This provision simplifies travel for tourists, students, and professionals temporarily residing in Portugal or Morocco, allowing for a smoother experience. During the signing ceremony, Minister Kayouh emphasized that this agreement reflects the strong ties of friendship between Morocco and Portugal, underscoring King Mohammed VI's commitment to Moroccan citizens living abroad. Minister Pinto Luz praised Morocco's dynamic development and expressed openness to future collaborations in infrastructure and logistics. The implications of this agreement extend beyond administrative ease; it has the potential to significantly enhance the livelihoods of many Moroccans in Portugal who work in transportation, thereby breaking down administrative barriers that have long hindered their professional prospects.
As reported by leseco.ma.
