France to Welcome 300 Moroccan Seasonal Workers Amid Agricultural Labor Shortage

The episode of the clementine harvest has strongly advocated for the Moroccan qualitative workforce, reports Le Parisien. According to many Corsican farmers, Moroccan seasonal workers saved the clementine harvest.

The 300 workers are expected in France this month before being transferred to the various agricultural farms in the two French regions. For now, no date has yet been set for the arrival of this precious workforce. According to Didier Leschi, director of the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII), who is leading the operation, a flight is chartered "on behalf of the operators in the Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse departments". The transport is paid for by the employers, he specifies.

These workers will be welcomed to ensure market gardening and horticulture: salads, fruits and green vegetables in particular. According to him, this human resource will not only be involved in harvesting, but also in pruning, preparing the fields for cultivation, etc.

In addition, these recruitments will be carried out in compliance with health measures as was the case last October when the air bridge was organized by the OFII. A health protocol will be put in place, it is assured. Before boarding the dedicated flight for the cause and upon arrival in France, these workers will be tested for coronavirus. They will also be checked 7 days after their arrival in France.