In Morocco, many workers who have contributed to pension systems in both Italy and their home country face significant challenges in securing their retirement benefits. A recent circular issued by the Italian pension fund clarifies the rights of workers who have worked in multiple countries, yet for Moroccan nationals, a pivotal agreement signed in 1994 is still awaiting implementation.
On February 18, 1994, Morocco and Italy formalized a convention in Rome aimed at safeguarding the social rights of their respective workers. Despite Morocco ratifying the agreement promptly on April 29, 1998, it has remained dormant, awaiting approval from the Italian Parliament for over three decades. This protracted delay has direct repercussions on Moroccans who have split their careers between the two nations, leaving them in a precarious situation regarding their retirement.
The crux of the issue arises when calculating pension entitlements. For instance, consider a worker who has contributed ten years in Italy and another ten years in Morocco. Due to the absence of an applicable convention between the two countries, these twenty years of work cannot be automatically combined to qualify for an Italian pension. Each pension system assesses rights based on its unique regulations, creating a complex barrier for those seeking to merge their contributions.
On October 20, the Italian National Institute for Social Security (INPS) released a new circular regarding international pensions. This document outlines the conditions under which contributions made abroad may be considered for certain Italian pensions. The circular primarily applies to careers established within the European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or countries that have a social security agreement with Italy allowing for the aggregation of insurance periods. Therefore, a Moroccan worker who has contributed in both Italy and France may benefit from these European rules, provided they meet the specified conditions.
Interestingly, official Italian documents reveal a stark contrast regarding the classification of Morocco in terms of social security agreements. The Consulate General of Italy in Nice lists Morocco among the countries with signed agreements, yet lacking ratification. Conversely, Tunisia is recognized as having an applicable agreement with Italy. This discrepancy complicates the situation for Moroccan workers seeking pension recognition.
The October 20 circular also underscores a vital point: a pension already received from abroad can be factored into the assessment of Italian pension rights. Therefore, foreign insurance periods may help fulfill the conditions necessary for pension eligibility, while the amount disbursed by Italy will depend on contributions made under its own systems.
In light of these challenges, labor unions from both countries are stepping up their efforts. On February 9, 2026, the Italian CGIL and its assistance organization INCA convened in Rabat, bringing together union representatives and institutional leaders to advocate for the ratification of the agreement. According to INCA-CGIL, two Italian deputies had submitted a resolution just six days prior, urging the government to revive the ratification process.
Retirees who have already accrued rights in Italy are permitted to receive their pensions abroad, with INPS facilitating these payments in approximately 160 countries, primarily through bank transfers. However, for those with careers divided between Italy and Morocco, the ongoing challenge remains the recognition of their contributions across the Mediterranean.
As reported by bladi.net.
