Moroccan Expats in Italy Face Ongoing Driver's License Hurdles Despite New Agreement

The recent bilateral agreement between Morocco and Italy on driver's license recognition has yet to alleviate the challenges faced by Moroccan residents in Italy. Despite the accord signed five months ago, many Moroccans continue to encounter significant obstacles when attempting to convert their licenses, impacting their employment prospects and daily commutes.

The updated agreement, inked on March 27 in the presence of Moroccan Ambassador Youssef Balla and Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, was intended to address issues arising from Morocco's introduction of a new biometric license model in 2019. This new format was not covered by the original 1991 bilateral agreement, creating a legal gray area for many Moroccan drivers in Italy.

However, Italian media reports suggest that there has been no official communication regarding the implementation of the new agreement. As a result, Italian authorities continue to deny license conversion requests from Moroccan citizens, leaving many in a precarious situation.

Under Italian law, non-EU citizens are permitted to drive with their country of origin's license for only one year after establishing residency in Italy. Beyond this period, they must either obtain an Italian license or convert their foreign license, provided a reciprocity agreement exists between the two countries.

The ongoing issues have had significant repercussions for the Moroccan community in Italy. Many have found themselves unable to secure employment in the transport sector, which is currently experiencing a shortage of drivers. The situation is particularly urgent for those who entered Italy in 2019 with a biometric license, as they have only a few months left to complete the conversion process within the six-year time limit imposed by Italian authorities.

The Moroccan government has been proactive in addressing these concerns on a broader scale, having established mutual license recognition agreements with 20 countries, including several European nations such as France, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, and Belgium.

As the situation unfolds, Moroccan residents in Italy find themselves in a state of limbo, awaiting official implementation of the updated agreement. The delay continues to impact their mobility, employment opportunities, and overall integration into Italian society.

This ongoing issue highlights the complexities of international agreements and the real-world consequences when implementation lags behind policy changes. As both countries work to resolve these challenges, the Moroccan community in Italy remains hopeful for a swift resolution that will allow them to fully participate in their adopted country's workforce and society.