Study: Over Half of Young Moroccans Consider Emigration Amid Economic Woes

According to this study, 35% of Moroccans in general plan to leave the kingdom to build a better future abroad. Morocco’s difficult economic situation, which is suffering the adverse effects of a series of crises at the national (September 8 earthquake) and international (Covid-19, war in Ukraine) levels, remains the primary cause of migration. 45% of respondents cite this reason.

For 18% of respondents, the lack of opportunities to pursue their studies in Morocco is pushing them to immigrate. 15% mention corruption, 13% politics and 11% family reunification reasons. The majority of respondents (53%) planning to immigrate say they are ready to leave the kingdom illegally, without obtaining the necessary documents.

In terms of destinations, 26% of respondents prefer to immigrate to the United States. They are followed by France and Canada with 23% each, Italy and Spain (22%) and Germany (19%). These data reflect a clear preference of Moroccans for Western countries over African countries.

For 74% of respondents, corruption remains very widespread at the level of state institutions. Regarding the economy, 49% remain optimistic and expect sustained growth in the coming years. However, economic inequality remains a major concern, particularly in the underprivileged regions of the east, center and south of the country, the study reveals.