Morocco’s Ministry of Interior has begun revoking “Permis de confiance” (trust licenses) from professional drivers involved in app-based urban transport services.
This move follows administrative penalties imposed by the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra regional authorities, which have temporarily suspended these licenses for up to 30 days.
According to Hespress AR sources familiar with the matter, affected drivers are also required to submit notarized commitments pledging adherence to legal and professional regulations governing the taxi industry.
A letter from regional governor Mohammed El Yaacoubi, addressed to a taxi drivers’ professional association, confirmed the government’s stance against unregulated transport services and its commitment to resolving the sector’s challenges, particularly in Rabat. The capital has seen growing tensions between traditional taxi operators and drivers using apps like InDrive and Yango.
Taxi unions sought intervention from regional authorities after a growing number of licensed taxi drivers, including former cab operators, shifted to app-based services.
Many drivers found the latter more financially rewarding as it exempts them from leasing taxi permits and daily dues while offering greater flexibility in working hours. Professional associations have criticized this shift as legitimizing app-based transport, which remains unregulated in Morocco.
In response, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit pledged to work on a joint solution for both taxis and ride-hailing services.
Addressing the House of Councillors, he acknowledged the reality of app-based transport and stressed that traditional taxi systems alone could no longer meet urban mobility needs. He confirmed that the ministry is conducting studies to integrate modern transport solutions, promising discussions with stakeholders to find a balanced approach.
Security concerns have also prompted heightened scrutiny from the Interior Ministry. Many app-based drivers reportedly use false identities and vehicle documents, fearing retaliation from taxi operators, some of whom have allegedly posed as passengers to entrap them and turn them over to authorities.
Without a legal framework regulating ride-hailing services, drivers caught operating without a permit face prosecution for illegal transport activities.
Despite this, app-based drivers continue to top up their accounts at money transfer points and receive earnings via bank transfers. Some have even registered as self-employed under Morocco’s “auto-entrepreneur” status.
The debate over ride-hailing regulation is not new. Former Transport Minister Mohammed Abdeljalil previously stated that legalizing app-based transport requires consensus among public transport stakeholders.
The ministry had launched studies to reform urban mobility nationwide, including potential frameworks for integrating new transport models. However, no regulatory framework has been implemented so far.
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