In a significant move aimed at bolstering young couples in Casablanca and across Morocco, the government has announced plans to provide financial assistance of up to MAD 5,000 (approximately $509.48) to individuals preparing for marriage. This initiative was unveiled as part of the government's 2026–2031 program presented to Parliament on October 19, highlighting the administration's commitment to enhancing family dynamics and social cohesion within Moroccan society.
The initiative falls under a broader section of the program that focuses on family, identity, and social cohesion, which emphasizes the importance of strengthening family ties. Furthermore, the government plans to implement and monitor critical reforms to the Family Code, known as Moudawana, with a commitment to annual reporting on the progress of these reforms. However, specific details regarding eligibility criteria, application processes, payment arrangements, and timelines for the implementation of this financial support have yet to be disclosed.
The government has identified economic pressures, such as housing, employment, and the rising cost of living, as significant contributors to family vulnerability. The marriage aid is part of a comprehensive set of family policies aimed at supporting not only young couples but also measures directed towards children, youth, and the elderly, alongside commitments to protect women and children in Morocco.
In light of this announcement, it is noteworthy that Morocco has witnessed an increase in both marriages and divorces in recent years. According to statistics from the High Commission for Planning (HCP), there were 258,097 marriages recorded in 2025, marking a 7.8% rise from the 239,277 marriages in 2024. Concurrently, the divorce rate also escalated by 14.4%, with the number of divorces increasing from 26,208 to 29,986 during the same period.
Furthermore, the Supreme Council of the Judicial Power reported that Moroccan courts handled 154,377 divorce-related cases in 2025, reflecting a 4.38% increase from the previous year's 147,895 cases. Among these, court-ordered dissolution accounted for 112,911 cases, predominantly due to persistent marital discord, a situation referred to as shiqaq. Additionally, mutual consent divorces represented another 40,211 cases, showcasing that nearly 98% of divorce-related cases were attributed to these two procedures.
Reactions to the proposed marriage aid have been mixed. Some individuals have expressed skepticism online, questioning whether the MAD 5,000 would be sufficient to cover the expenses associated with weddings and establishing a household, especially given the escalating cost of living. Critics have urged the government to focus on creating jobs, providing affordable housing, and ensuring stable incomes for young couples, arguing that a one-time payment may not adequately address the ongoing financial challenges faced by newlyweds.
Conversely, there are those who view the initiative positively, recognizing it as a valuable form of support for young people who struggle to manage the initial costs of starting a family. This proposal aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens and foster a supportive environment for young couples embarking on their marital journey.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
