Morocco's interior minister signals upcoming regulation of ride-hailing services

Friday 31 January 2025 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's interior minister signals upcoming regulation of ride-hailing services

Moroccan Minister of Interior Abdelouafi Laftit addressed the ongoing debate surrounding ride-sharing apps during a House of Councillors meeting on Tuesday, announcing that the government is actively working on solutions to regulate these services.

Responding to parliamentary counselor Abdelkader El Kihel's inquiry about tensions between taxi and ride-hailing drivers, Laftit emphasized the necessity for stakeholder dialogue. "We must sit down and find a solution. We cannot continue like this," he stated.

The minister acknowledged the complex legal status of ride-hailing services, noting that while they cannot be formally integrated into the transportation system at present, their existence cannot be ignored. His ministry is conducting an in-depth study to develop regulations that would legalize these platforms and provide citizens with transportation options.

The announcement comes amid persistent conflicts between traditional taxi operators and drivers for services like inDrive, Careem, and Yango. Ride-sharing drivers have reported experiencing harassment and violence from taxi operators who claim unfair competition and illegal operations.

The situation is particularly complex for inDrive, whose drivers lack official recognition from Moroccan transportation authorities despite the company's legal status in the country. Following a recent attack on one of its drivers, inDrive issued a statement condemning the incident and requesting an investigation. The company defended its operations, describing itself as a "responsible taxpayer and employer" operating in compliance with local laws and regulations.

Through these regulatory efforts, the government aims to address the ongoing tensions while acknowledging the evolving nature of urban transportation services in Morocco.