Moroccan Labor Minister Younes Sekkouri announced that remote work will soon be formally regulated in the country’s labor code, a move expected as part of broader reforms planned for September or October. The announcement has reignited national debate on digital labor rights in a post-pandemic landscape.
Speaking at a conference in Casablanca earlier this week, Sekkouri said the regulatory framework would ensure remote work is no longer governed by informal arrangements. The statement was published by the Authenticity and Modernity Party, of which Sekkouri is a member. The event also explored the evolving nature of employment in the age of artificial intelligence.
Labor unions responded by emphasizing the urgency of adapting Morocco’s labor legislation—unchanged for over two decades—to contemporary realities. Union leaders argue that the absence of clear rules disadvantages workers, while benefiting employers who exploit the legal ambiguity.
“Remote work has been a reality since the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Abdellah Aghmimot, secretary-general of the National University of Education (Democratic Orientation). “Yet it remains outside legal protections, leaving employees without guaranteed access to the same rights and benefits as in-person workers.”
Aghmimot stressed the importance of mandating employers to cover remote work costs, such as internet and equipment, and called for these provisions to be explicitly outlined in the revised labor code. “While remote work has advantages, it can shift the burden of production onto workers using their own resources, primarily to reduce employer costs,” he said.
He also linked the trend to neoliberal economic practices aimed at minimizing production expenses—an approach he believes should be counterbalanced by updated labor laws that protect all parties involved.
Youssef Aidi, secretary-general of the Democratic Federation of Labor, said remote work is viable in limited sectors, particularly within public administration and knowledge-based services. “We support responsible steps toward regulation, but it must be realistic,” he said, noting that Morocco’s economy is still largely reliant on manufacturing and physical labor.
Aidi questioned whether the government would be able to advance a substantial labor code reform given the limited time left in the current political cycle. “Unions are eager to see long-overdue updates that reflect modern work conditions and protect Moroccan workers’ rights,” he said.
As the conversation around labor modernization continues, all eyes are on the forthcoming legislative session, where concrete proposals are expected to materialize.
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