European Countries Extend COVID-19 Aid to Moroccan Expat Businesses

Countries like Germany, Switzerland and Austria have taken the initiative to set up support funds for victims of the economic crisis caused by the closure of businesses, following the proliferation of covid-19.

Abdelhadi Essini, a Moroccan caterer established in Solothurn, and an event organizer for 15 years, said he had benefited from the allowances granted by the state, following the forced cessation of his activity. "I will be able to receive an allowance of 2,600 Swiss francs," he explained.

In Bern, Hicham Ziane, a Moroccan hairdresser who has been in business for less than six months, does not seem enthusiastic about receiving the 3,000 Swiss francs paid by the state. "The insurance company will pay me 80% of the unemployment benefit, knowing that the amount covers the rent of the premises and the internet," he said.

Nabila Ayad, the owner of the Moroccan restaurant "Sahara" in Germany, for her part, said that "her 15 employees will receive an unemployment benefit of 700 euros, while the law entitles her to 15,000 euros per quarter".

In Austria, the state has injected 9 billion euros and 38 billion euros into the economic support fund, said a Moroccan restaurateur, who specifies that companies and businesses could benefit from allowances under certain conditions. A turnover of 6,000 euros has been set by the authorities to distinguish the beneficiaries of 500 euros from those of 2,000 euros.