Millions of Moroccan Workers Lack Access to Social Security

Thursday 12 December 2024 - 15:45

By: Dakir Madiha

Millions of Moroccan Workers Lack Access to Social Security

Millions of Moroccan workers remain excluded from the national social security system, causing significant economic and social challenges. Hicham Sabri, the Secretary of Employment, highlighted the issue during a parliamentary session, revealing that the country loses approximately MAD 5 billion ($500 million) monthly due to unregistered workers.

Sabri disclosed that of Morocco’s 12.1 million active workforce, only four million are registered with the National Social Security Fund (CNSS). This leaves two-thirds of workers without access to critical social protections, exposing them to precarious and unstable working conditions.

“The lack of CNSS registration is the primary obstacle to ensuring stability in work and dignity in life,” Sabri stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Challenges in Enforcement

One of the key hurdles in addressing this issue lies in enforcement. With only 450 labor inspectors overseeing millions of workers across 53 regional offices, the system is overstretched. Inspectors face various challenges, including verbal and physical abuse while on duty.

“This underinvestment in labor oversight is a direct consequence of previous governments’ neglect,” Sabri argued. He noted that hiring 100 inspectors annually over the past decade could have expanded the workforce to 1,450 inspectors, significantly improving oversight and compliance.

A Collective Responsibility

Sabri stressed that resolving this issue requires a collaborative approach. “This is not solely the government’s responsibility. Workers, unions, and employers must all play their part,” he said.

To address the problem, the government plans to introduce digital platforms enabling workers to self-register with the CNSS. This initiative is part of a broader national strategy to expand social protections and align with the royal vision for universal social security coverage.

“This is a complex challenge requiring collective effort, but we are committed to overcoming it,” Sabri concluded.