OIM study highlights territorial migration governance progress in Morocco

Wednesday 20 May 2026 - 09:07

By: Dakir Madiha

OIM study highlights territorial migration governance progress in Morocco

The International Organization for Migration presented in Rabat the findings of a comparative analysis on the territorial implementation of Morocco’s National Immigration and Asylum Strategy across four regions: Oriental, Souss-Massa, Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma and Béni Mellal-Khénifra.

The study examines how migration governance is increasingly anchored at the local level through the involvement of territorial authorities, decentralized state services and community actors. It highlights how this multi-level coordination improves access for migrants to essential services, supports socio-economic inclusion and strengthens social cohesion within host communities. The report places emphasis on the growing role of regional dynamics in shaping migration policy outcomes in Morocco.

Officials involved in the study underline that migration management is becoming more effective when decisions are made closer to affected populations. One regional representative noted that local governance structures allow institutions to respond more directly to human realities and daily needs. The approach aligns with Morocco’s broader reform process launched after strategic orientations issued in 2013, which led to the development of a comprehensive immigration and asylum policy framework.

The analysis identifies uneven but significant progress across the studied regions. Oriental is highlighted for improved access to basic services such as education and healthcare. Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma stands out for initiatives promoting intercultural dialogue and vocational training. Souss-Massa is described as a region where institutional coordination among local stakeholders has strengthened migration-related action. Migrants consulted in the study also stress the importance of sports, leisure activities and public space accessibility as key factors for inclusion.

Despite these advances, the study points to persistent structural challenges. These include limited specialized human resources at the local level, uneven financial capacity among territorial actors and continued reliance on international funding for several initiatives. It also notes the absence of clearly defined migration competencies within the legal frameworks governing local authorities. A multi-stakeholder seminar brought together government institutions, civil society, private sector representatives, academics and migrant communities to discuss ways of reinforcing territorial governance mechanisms and integrating migration into local development planning.