Marrakech Launches Crackdown on Professional Begging and Homelessness

The phenomena disrupting public order, in particular professional begging and the homeless, are a concern for the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN). It has taken measures recorded in a daily plan aimed at limiting their aggravation. This involves the mobilization of all police units on public roads, the adoption of a more attentive approach to sensitive and tourist points, and the focus on obtaining qualitative results, while paying particular attention to the security dimension. The security districts, the tourist brigade and the other specialties are involved.

This approach has proven effective. Already 1488 cases of begging have been recorded in the first quarter of 2024. Thanks to the efforts made by the tourist brigade, 749 people posing as tourist guides, 222 people in possession of drugs, 12 people for assault and battery, and 41 people wanted at the national and local level for various criminal cases were arrested. The brigade, in perfect coordination with the competent services, was able to assist and direct 1345 homeless people and 764 people suffering from mental disorders to reception centers and specialized hospital facilities.

The implementation of the plan continues. Preventive initiatives on the ground have been initiated to eradicate the begging of minors, homelessness or the presence of people suffering from mental disorders. The security services, in coordination with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the competent authorities, have taken measures to provide accommodation in specialized establishments or to return them to guardians, depending on the categories.