ABSTRACT
Since the 1960s, Morocco has evolved into a major emigration country, with over 3 million of its nationals now residing in the European Union, primarily in France, Spain and Italy. While Morocco is often perceived as a transit country for Sub-Saharan migrants, it has largely been used by Moroccans themselves for emigration. This chapter explores Morocco’s shifting role within global migration corridors and the implications for national policy. It argues that Morocco faces the dual challenge of supporting its citizens’ pursuit of opportunities abroad while addressing the loss of skilled labour. Despite increasing recognition of the Moroccan diaspora’s potential, significant obstacles – such as limited data on national skill shortages, lack of institutional coordination and a failure to align migration with national development goals – hamper effective engagement. The chapter calls for a data-driven, incentive-based approach to mobilise expatriate talent, enhance skill recognition and design sustainable migration pathways. It concludes with strategic recommendations, including a centralised governance framework for diaspora engagement, sector-specific skill assessments and international cooperation to ensure ethical, reciprocal migration. Morocco’s case illustrates broader tensions in balancing freedom of movement with development needs, highlighting the importance of rethinking migration as a strategic development tool.
