Rabat - The Arab Barometer’s Wave VIII Migration Report published this week offers a sobering view of the current migration trends across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with revealing details about Morocco.
The findings are not just statistics but a reflection of deep-rooted socio-economic challenges that continue to shape the lives and futures of Moroccans, especially young people. The report highlights the implications for Morocco and how they resonate with the broader regional dynamics.
Youth emigration
The report reveals that 55% of young Moroccans aged 18-29 express a desire to emigrate.
This figure is a clear indication of the frustrations and challenges faced by many young Moroccans. The youth, often seen as the driving force of any nation, are increasingly looking beyond the borders of their homeland for opportunities that they believe are unattainable in Morocco.
This trend is alarming as it suggests there is no indication of reversing the country’s ongoing brain drain, where the country loses many of its most dynamic and educated population.
The economic motives driving this desire cannot be understated, with 45% of potential migrants citing economic reasons for wanting to leave. Despite the government's efforts to boost the economy, the gap between expectations and reality remains wide. The report's findings suggest that economic reforms, while necessary, have yet to translate to a perception that talented young people can thrive at home, prompting them to seek better prospects abroad.
Undocumented migration
One of the most concerning aspects of the Arab Barometer report is the high percentage of Moroccans willing to migrate without the necessary legal documents. Over half of the potential migrants (53%) indicated that they would consider leaving the country without proper documentation.
This trend reflects the desperation of many Moroccans who unfortunately feel trapped in a cycle of poverty and a lack of opportunities. The risks associated with undocumented migration, including exploitation and human trafficking, cannot be ignored. This poses both a legal and humanitarian, as it exposes the most vulnerable segments of the population to grave dangers.
Regional context
Morocco's migration trends cannot be viewed in isolation. The country is part of a broader regional pattern where migration is driven by similar economic and political factors.
The report details that Morocco’s situation is most similar to that of Tunisia, Lebanon and Mauritania. Meanwhile, lessons can be learned from Kuwait and Jordan. Kuwait remains the country with the lowest percentage of citizens wanting to emigrate, standing at 16%.
Meanwhile, Jordan has successfully managed to reverse its immigration trends, with the desire to emigrate falling significantly between 2022 and 2024.
However, Morocco stands out due to its proximity to Europe and its historical ties with countries like France and Spain, which remain the preferred destinations for many Moroccan migrants.
The report highlights that 23% of Moroccans prefer France, while 22% favor Spain and Italy. These preferences likely reflect the enduring cultural and linguistic ties that continue to influence migration patterns in the region.
Moreover, the report’s findings resonate with broader concerns about regional instability, particularly in Morocco’s southern neighborhood, the Sahel region. The ongoing rise of extremism and political instability in this region, as highlighted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, could potentially exacerbate migration pressures in Morocco.
As the country grapples with its own economic challenges, it must also contend with the ripple effects of instability in its immediate neighborhood.
Comprehensive solutions
The Arab Barometer’s Wave VIII Migration Report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers in Morocco. The desire to emigrate, particularly among young people, is a clear signal that more needs to be done to create viable economic opportunities within the country. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach that not only tackles unemployment but also improves access to education, healthcare, and social services.
The report highlights that there are success stories to be learned from: economic diversification and job creation worked well in Kuwait, while Jordan realized significant improvements by strengthening education and skills training.
Luckily, Morocco’s political stability can be counted as a solid foundation for building progress, giving the country some advantages in relation to countries with similar immigration desires such as Lebanon and Tunisia.
In a region marked by instability and economic uncertainty, Morocco’s ability to retain its young and educated population will be crucial to its long-term stability and prosperity.
The challenges are significant, but so too are the opportunities for reform and renewal. The future of Morocco depends on its ability to harness the potential of its youth, ensuring that they see a future within the borders of their homeland rather than beyond them.
