Morocco and Italy Ink Landmark Agreement for Mutual Recognition of Driving Licenses

In a significant development aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Moroccan residents in Italy, the Kingdom of Morocco and the Italian Republic have signed a landmark agreement for the mutual recognition of driving licenses. This accord, signed at the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport on Wednesday, represents the culmination of extensive negotiations between the two nations and underscores Morocco's steadfast dedication to advocating for its citizens abroad, aligning with the directives of King Mohammed VI.

The primary objective of this agreement is to remove the obstacles that Moroccans living in Italy previously encountered when attempting to convert their new-generation driving licenses to Italian ones. This achievement follows an announcement by Moroccan Minister of Transport and Logistics, Mohamed Benabdeljalil, who disclosed that Moroccans can now utilize their Moroccan licenses in 20 countries, owing to a series of mutual recognition agreements signed with various Arab, African, and European nations.

These agreements, established with eight Arab countries, six African countries, and six European nations, aim to address the longstanding challenges associated with using a Moroccan driving license in certain countries, as elucidated by Benabdeljalil. Under the principle of reciprocity, Moroccans residing in specific countries can now directly exchange their licenses for those of their host nation, a privilege previously reserved for countries like France, Japan, and Poland, which implicitly recognized Moroccan driving licenses.

In an effort to streamline the process, Morocco's National Road Safety Agency (NARSA) has supplied the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the new generation of electronic driving licenses, with the objective of integrating these licenses into all consulates and embassies of countries with established mutual recognition agreements. These countries encompass vital European destinations such as Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, and Belgium, as well as African nations like Senegal and Benin, and Middle Eastern countries including Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey.

This groundbreaking agreement between Morocco and Italy not only simplifies the lives of Moroccan residents in Italy but also serves as a testament to the enduring bonds between the two nations and their shared commitment to facilitating the seamless integration of expatriate communities.