Morocco's Social Renaissance: Uplifting Families from the Margins

Friday 24 May 2024 - 16:10

In a groundbreaking initiative that underscores Morocco's commitment to social equity, the government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to extend direct social assistance to nearly 60% of families previously excluded from public policy benefits. This far-reaching measure is a testament to the nation's dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable society, as envisioned by King Mohammed VI.

During a recent press briefing, Mustapha Baitas, the government spokesperson and Minister Delegate in charge of relations with parliament, shed light on this transformative endeavor. He revealed that the initiative targets families who have historically been marginalized, addressing long-standing gaps in the country's social safety nets.

Baitas emphasized that this strategic move is part of a broader effort to provide direct assistance to impoverished families at the end of each month. From 2015 to 2023, 60% of these vulnerable families received a total of 8 billion dirhams (approximately $800 million) in aid, a significant departure from the previous model where other categories annually received 12 billion dirhams (approximately $1.2 billion).

Marking a shift from the Compensation Fund's previous mechanisms, the government has pivoted towards direct family allowances. By 2026, these allowances are expected to reach 300 dirhams (approximately $30) per child, complemented by a lump sum subsidy of 500 dirhams (approximately $50) per family.

"The government has chosen to address poverty through a precise targeting mechanism via the unified social register," Baitas stated, underscoring the initiative's role in advancing fair resource distribution.

He further emphasized that the government's merit-based public policies ensure that social assistance is provided without discrimination, extending social coverage to all Moroccans according to their respective regimes.

A notable outcome of these reforms is the automatic transition of 10.5 million citizens from the RAMED regime to the AMO-Tadamoun regime, with the government allocating 9.5 billion dirhams (approximately $950 million) to maintain their service and care packages. These individuals have been granted a 12-month period to register in the unified social register, with the number of people affiliated with the National Social Security Fund now reaching 10.5 million.

Addressing the support for widows, Baitas highlighted a substantial increase in beneficiaries. The number of families supported by a widow has surged from 76,000 under the previous aid scheme to 300,000, with the aid amount set to rise from 350 to 400 dirhams (approximately $35 to $40) by 2026.

These groundbreaking initiatives represent a significant stride in Morocco's ongoing commitment to enhancing social support systems and ensuring a fair allocation of resources to vulnerable populations. By extending a lifeline to those on the margins, the government is paving the way for a socially inclusive future, where no family is left behind on the path to prosperity.