Morocco could recruit foreign workers to care for its elderly

Morocco will need to find more people to support its elderly. The share of residents aged 60 and over, estimated at 13.9% in 2024, is expected to reach 19.5% by 2040. At the same time, fertility has fallen to 1.97 children per woman, below the generational replacement level.

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This ageing does not raise only the issue of pensions and health insurance. It will increase the need for local care, home assistance and support for people who have lost their independence.

However, families will find it increasingly difficult to manage this care on their own. Urbanisation, smaller households, geographical mobility and changing lifestyles are gradually weakening traditional family support networks.

In its 2025 annual report, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council considers that Morocco must therefore structure a genuine care economy, bringing together professions dedicated to elderly people, people with disabilities and other dependent groups.

Foreign workers as a complement

To meet future labour needs, immigration could provide an additional resource. The CESE nevertheless stresses one point: foreign workers would not replace Moroccans, and immigration alone would not be a response to ageing.

Their contribution would depend on the country’s ability to train staff, organise these professions and guarantee Moroccan and foreign workers decent employment conditions as well as effective social protection.

Morocco already has 148 152 foreign residents, compared with 84 000 in 2014, an increase of 76% in ten years. More than 80% are of working age, but their skills are still insufficiently integrated into the formal labour market.

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According to the CESE, the country must anticipate this now. Without training, attractive jobs and professional services, Morocco could age before preparing the people responsible for caring for its elderly.