Moroccan Expats: Economic Powerhouses Facing Institutional Hurdles

Estimated at 5.1 million, MREs represent a pillar for the development of Morocco, the report states, noting that this community, composed mainly of young people aged 15 to 39, makes a decisive contribution to the development of the kingdom, in all areas.

At the economic level, the contribution of MREs is considerable, given the remittances whose amounts continue to increase year after year, reaching 115.3 billion dirhams in 2023, or more than 7% of the national GDP. These funds help stabilize the dirham, strengthen foreign exchange reserves and reduce the trade deficit, the report notes, however deploring that only 10% of these resources are dedicated to productive investment. MREs send the bulk of these funds to their families in Morocco or use them to acquire real estate in the kingdom. The creation of a project bank could make it possible to direct investments, it is recommended.

The report also highlights the political role of MREs, emphasizing their valuable contribution in defending national causes, particularly the Sahara issue. Culturally, the Moroccan diaspora promotes the identity, values and heritage of the kingdom. However, the lack of Arabic language teaching programs or activities dedicated to cultural activities in their host countries limits the effectiveness of the efforts of MREs, the report indicates.

Despite their remarkable contribution to the development of their country of origin, MREs continue to face challenges. First, administrative bureaucracy. MREs continue to face complex procedures at the consular level, which lack staff and whose services need to be modernized. Corrections must also be made to the system for welcoming MREs during the Marhaba operation to facilitate their return to the country during the summer. This involves in particular a reduction in the costs of maritime and air transport.

Finally, the report notes a weak representation of MREs within Moroccan political institutions. The Moroccan diaspora feels excluded from public policies, which could lead to a weakening of the link between this community and its country of origin.