Throne Day Milestone: King Mohammed VI’s Commitment to Empowering the Moroccan Diaspora

As Morocco commemorates the 25th anniversary of Throne Day, the spotlight turns to the significant efforts of King Mohammed VI in championing the empowerment of the Moroccan diaspora. The monarch’s dedication to fostering positive reforms and supporting Moroccans abroad has been a recurring theme in his speeches, underscoring his commitment to enhancing their contributions and facilitating their ventures in their homeland.

A Legacy of Support

For years, King Mohammed VI has consistently called on the government to bolster support for the Moroccan diaspora, emphasizing the importance of easing administrative procedures and encouraging investments from abroad. His vision includes creating a more conducive environment for Moroccans living overseas to invest back home, with initiatives such as direct housing aid aimed at making homeownership more accessible.

In a notable address commemorating the 69th anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People in 2022, the King expressed gratitude to the diaspora for their steadfast support of Morocco’s economy and ongoing reforms. He urged them to seize the investment opportunities available, highlighting the incentives and guarantees provided by the new investment charter.

Addressing Challenges

Despite the significant strides made, King Mohammed VI acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by the diaspora, particularly regarding administrative hurdles. He emphasized the need to address these issues to facilitate smoother project launches and administrative processes for Moroccans abroad.

Morocco’s diaspora community, numbering over five million, is a vital economic force, with remittances reaching approximately $5.6 billion by the end of June 2023, a notable increase from the previous year. This substantial financial contribution positions Morocco as the second largest recipient of remittances in the MENA region, following Egypt.

Strengthening Economic Ties

Economist and Director of the Government Work Observatory, Mohammed Jadri, praised the royal directives aimed at enhancing services for the diaspora. He highlighted initiatives like the Mohammed V Foundation’s Marhaba operation, which manages the return and transit of millions of Moroccans during the holiday season, ensuring a welcoming experience.

Consular services and administrative support further underscore Morocco’s commitment to its diaspora, encouraging investment in the country. Recently, the Ministry of National Territorial Planning launched a national campaign to attract diaspora members to benefit from direct housing aid programs, with a mobile caravan touring 23 cities to provide support and assistance.

Investment Opportunities

Despite the positive impact of remittances, officials and economists note that only a small fraction of diaspora funds are directed towards investments. Minister Delegate of Investments, Mohcine Jazouli, reported that only 10% of diaspora money transfers were invested in 2021. Jadri echoed these concerns, advocating for enhanced administrative procedures to attract more diaspora investments in real estate and other sectors.

To leverage the potential of diaspora savings for job growth and economic development, Jadri suggested simplifying administrative processes and addressing issues of unfair competitiveness. Notably, remittances doubled from MAD 60 billion in 2019 to MAD 120 billion in 2023, highlighting the diaspora’s crucial economic role.

Tapping into Expertise

Beyond financial contributions, Morocco seeks to harness the expertise of its diaspora to address challenges such as brain drain. The country continues to lose skilled professionals to opportunities abroad, with nearly 27,000 Moroccans leaving in 2022 to work in various sectors globally. This includes a significant number of healthcare professionals, with 600 doctors emigrating annually in search of better prospects.

The government remains committed to reversing this trend by creating favorable conditions for skilled Moroccans to contribute to their homeland. Efforts to attract and retain talent are critical for the country’s development, with ongoing initiatives aimed at enabling Morocco to benefit from the skills and expertise of its diaspora.

As Morocco celebrates Throne Day, the enduring commitment of King Mohammed VI to empowering the diaspora stands as a testament to his vision for a prosperous and inclusive nation.