The streets of Casablanca, Tangier, and Rabat are filled with ambitious young Moroccans dreaming of a better future. But for many, that future lies outside Morocco. Over 400,000 Moroccans emigrated in 2022 alone, with youth (aged 18–35) making up 60% of that number. This exodus raises urgent questions: Is this trend a survival strategy for individuals, or a slow crisis for the nation? Let’s dive into the debate.
The Case for “Good”: Opportunities Beyond Borders
Morocco’s youth unemployment rate hovers around 22%, and wages often fail to match rising living costs. For many, leaving isn’t a choice—it’s a necessity. Those who emigrate frequently send money home, with remittances contributing 6% of Morocco’s GDP (over $11 billion in 2023). This financial lifeline supports families, funds education, and even fuels local businesses.
But it’s not just about money. The diaspora acts as a global network. Young Moroccans working in Europe, Canada, or the Gulf often gain skills in tech, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Some return with expertise to launch startups or mentor others. For example, Morocco’s growing tech scene owes much to returnees from France and Germany.
The Case for “Bad”: A Nation Losing Its Future
While remittances help, the loss of skilled workers—doctors, engineers, and IT specialists—weakens Morocco’s ability to grow independently. Hospitals in cities like Marrakech face staff shortages, and startups struggle to find local talent. Worse, the exodus reinforces a cycle: as youth leave, opportunities shrink for those who stay, pushing more to consider emigration.
There’s also a social cost. Families are fractured, and rural areas hollow out as young people flock to cities or abroad. “My village feels like a ghost town now,” says Ahmed, a teacher in the Atlas Mountains. “The ones who leave are the ones who could’ve built schools or opened clinics here.”
A Personal Perspective: “I Left, But My Heart Stays” – Younes’ Story
Younes El Amrani, 28, sits in a Montreal café, sipping mint tea he learned to brew from his mother in Casablanca. His voice softens as he recalls his life before Canada.
“For three years, I designed roads in Casablanca, working 60-hour weeks. My salary, 4,500 dirhams a month. and bills, I survived on lentils and borrowed time. I felt invisible—like my degree meant nothing.
In 2021, Younes made a choice thousands of young Moroccans face: he left. Today, he earns$3,700 monthly as a civil engineer in Montreal. “Half my paycheck goes to my parents. My sister’s studying medicine because of that money”, he explains, pride cutting through the ache in his words.
But his success abroad is tinged with guilt. “Every dirham I send home feels like a trade: my future for theirs”, he admits. “I miss my mother’s Friday couscous, the way the Atlantic smells at sunset. Montreal has snow, but it doesn’t have home.”
Younes’ eyes narrow when asked if he’d return. “Tomorrow—if Morocco fought for us like we fight for it. Raise salaries? Fix crumbling roads? Then yes. But now?” He pauses. “Why build roads in a country that won’t pave a path for its youth?”
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Finding Solutions: Can Morocco Stem the Tide?
To retain talent, Morocco must address systemic issues:
Job Creation
Incentivize foreign companies to invest in sectors like renewable energy and tech.
Education Reform
Align university programs with market needs (e.g., AI, green tech).
Support Entrepreneurs
Simplify bureaucracy and offer grants for startups.
Gouvernment programs
Programs like the government’s “Talent Passport” (fast-tracking visas for skilled diaspora) are a start, but more is needed.
Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective
Youth leaving Morocco is neither wholly good nor bad—it’s a symptom of deeper issues. Remittances sustain families, but the brain drain stifles progress. The solution lies in transforming Morocco into a place where young people want to stay, not feel forced to leave.
As Younes puts it: “We don’t want to abandon Morocco. We want to see it rise. But until then, we’ll keep chasing opportunities wherever they are.”
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