Moroccans rank second among foreign communities in France in 2024

Wednesday 08 October 2025 - 15:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Moroccans rank second among foreign communities in France in 2024

New figures from France’s National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) reveal that Moroccans remain among the largest foreign populations in the country, ranking second after Algerians. The data show that nearly 48.9% of all immigrants in France were born in Africa, while 30.9% originated from Europe.

According to INSEE, the main countries of birth for immigrants are Algeria (12.4%), Morocco (11.7%), Portugal (7.3%), Tunisia (4.9%), Italy (3.6%), Turkey (3.4%), and Spain (3.1%). Nearly half of France’s immigrant population originates from these nations, underscoring France’s strong demographic and cultural links with Africa and southern Europe.

INSEE’s report highlights that immigrants and foreign residents together account for 8.8% of France’s total population in 2024, up from 6.5% in 1975 and 4.4% in 1946. The Moroccan community, estimated at nearly or slightly above one million, continues to play a central role in this demographic growth.

Official statistics published earlier this year indicate that 603,482 Moroccan nationals currently hold valid residence permits in France, marking a 2.7% increase from 2023. Morocco also leads in several immigration categories, including economic migration, family reunification, and student mobility.

In 2023, 10,801 Moroccans obtained residence permits for economic reasons, while 12,005 were issued under family-based migration. Moroccan students also represent the largest foreign student population in France, with 12,299 student permits granted in the same year.

Campus France, the national agency for promoting French higher education, reports that approximately 42,000 Moroccan students are enrolled in French institutions. This figure represents about 10% of all international students in France. The majority around 56% attend multidisciplinary universities, highlighting Morocco’s strong academic and cultural ties with France.