Morocco is a country that is obviously a traveler's dream. Its centuries-long heritage, exotic culture, delicious food, and more make it quite the destination. You see it on social media, watch it on TV, and have read about it in magazines. You know that the rich and famous have gone here many times, movies were filmed here, and the like. But can you imagine actually living here? Or more than that, can you imagine working in Morocco? Is it even possible? Well, here's what you need to know about its job market.
The Unemployment Rate in Morocco
First thing's first, you have to know its unemployment rate. Generally, a country's unemployment rate reflects the current state of its job market. And right now, Morocco's is 12.5%. It's 2% higher than during the same period last year. Currently, it's one of the highest in the world, and there's reason to believe that the impact of the Covid-19 global pandemic may have caused such a rise. Though other factors may also come to play, those that have been around even before the pandemic. So right now, though it's not necessarily in shambles, Morocco's job market isn't at its best.
Morocco's Biggest Fields
Despite that rather startling unemployment rate Morocco has now, various filed continue to thrive and expand in the country. Even though it's known to be an extremely traditional and conservative country, IT, telecommunications, and computer science are three of Morocco's most promising fields. Particularly, for expats who want to work in the country. Both international and local companies from these industries have been popping up as of late. Though it's important to note that you will need specific degrees and academic achievements to be eligible for such jobs. Engineering, medicine, and tourism are also highly popular in Morocco right now.
The Labor Code in Morocco
When you get employed in Morocco, companies are required to grant you contracts that adhere to the country's Labor Code. There are three types to expect: CDI, CDD, and the contract for a specific job. The first one, the CDD, is for those who are employed for a fixed period. This is more so for part-timers and the like. The second, CDI, is for employment for an indefinite period. Your contract does not state when the end of your time with the company will be. Compared to the others, this is generally the most standard and most permanent type of contract. And the third one refers to carrying out specific tasks and projects for a company without having to actually be employed by them.
Wages in Morocco
Now, let's talk about wages! How much does the average worker earn in Morocco? Well, the minimum wage here is MAD 13.46 per hour. Since most companies operate around 40 hours per week, a minimum wage employee approximately earns MAD 538.40 per week. However, for the general sector, the minimum monthly salary is MAD 3,300.00. While in agriculture, the minimum wage is MAD 73.22 per day and MAD 1,903.72 per month. Additionally, mid-level management positions have a starting salary of MAD 10,000.00 per month. Nevertheless, always remember that
the country's tax system will reduce some portions of these figures, leaving you with less than what you see here!
The Work Culture in Morocco
What about Morocco's work culture? What should you expect when you land a job here? Firstly, there are the standard working hours. As already mentioned, the general public sector in Morocco works around 40 hours a week. For call centers, it's 45 hours, and for those working in agriculture, it's 48 hours. Generally, newly-hired employees are not allowed to be given paid leave during the first six months on the job. Expecting mothers are given maternity leaves of around 14 weeks. All of which are 100% paid! And during holidays, many companies in the general public sector are required to take the day off, especially during religious holy days.
The Job Market's Major Problems
It's easy to see, especially with the currently high unemployment rate, that Morocco's job market has a lot of problems.
The World Bank laid out three possible reasons as to what's caused them. Firstly, there's a lack of inclusion. Since Morocco is a conservative Islamic country, women and minors are less integrated into the workforce. More so members of the LGBTQ+ community too! There's also the slow job growth, with a limited number of companies throughout various sectors having a hard time creating new jobs. And lastly, there's the low quality of jobs. Positions in the general public sector aren't as many as the country would hope in this day and age.
Right now, Morocco's job market is clearly not at its best. With a high unemployment rate and various challenges facing the country's workforce, finding work here may be more difficult than you initially thought. However, it isn't impossible!
