Nearly 95% of informal workers in Morocco lack qualifications, study reveals

Nearly 95% of informal workers in Morocco lack formal qualifications, according to a recent study published by the American Journal of Economics and Business Innovations (AJEBI), which highlights the ongoing precariousness of informal labor in the country.

The study raises significant concerns about access to employment and working conditions, revealing that the lack of qualifications severely limits workers’ opportunities for stable, higher-paying jobs.

One of the primary causes identified is the flexibility of the labor market, which allows companies to adjust contracts and working hours based on their needs. While this approach enhances employer adaptability, it also contributes to the rise of informal labor, characterized by instability and the absence of essential social rights.

The study underscores the structural challenges within the Moroccan labor market, where informal labor has become the norm for many businesses. Undeclared workers operate in an environment marked by job insecurity and a lack of social protection, which further increases their vulnerability.

Ilham Nejari, a researcher and co-author of the study, states, “the flexibility of the labor market promotes the expansion of informal labor, worsening the socio-economic precariousness of workers.” She argues that current policies must be reevaluated to reduce the scale of this issue.

Based on a survey of 549 workers in the Taroudant and Agadir regions in Souss-Massa, the study reveals that young people under 28 make up the majority of those without official contracts. Additionally, it highlights the severe lack of training, as 94.8% of informal workers surveyed have no diploma.

The study also notes that informal sector wages are significantly below the minimum wage, deepening economic inequalities and perpetuating financial instability for a large portion of the working population.

In response, the authors emphasize the need to balance employment flexibility with worker protection. They recommend strengthening the labor market’s legal framework and promoting official contracts, all while maintaining business competitiveness. They also call for reforms in employment policies to encourage the transition from informal to formal employment, a shift that is essential for improving working conditions and providing greater stability for Moroccan workers.