More Moroccans are now living in Israel than any other foreign nationality, according to the International Organization for Migration’s new 2026 World Migration Report.
The numbers show a major jump in recent years, with the Moroccan community in Israel reaching 190,607 people, up from 158,396 in the previous 2024 report.
That rise of more than 32,000 people in just two years pushed Moroccans ahead of Ukrainians and Russians in Israel. Ukrainians there number around 151,855, while Russians stand at 126,688.
But Israel is only part of a much bigger migration picture involving Morocco. Spain and France continue to attract the largest Moroccan communities in the world. Spain hosts more than 1.08 million Moroccans, slightly ahead of France with over 1.06 million. Italy follows with nearly 473,000, while Belgium is home to around 246,000 Moroccans.
The report says Morocco is home to two of Africa’s busiest migration corridors: Morocco-to-Spain and Morocco-to-France. Geography plays a huge role, but so do deep historical and economic ties that go back decades. Large numbers of Moroccans continue heading to Europe every year for work, study, or family reunification.
Interestingly, migration among Moroccans is almost perfectly balanced between men and women. The report also points out that Moroccan communities abroad are becoming increasingly influential in politics and public life. In the Netherlands alone, 66 politicians of Moroccan origin won seats during one election cycle.
The study links the continued migration trend to several challenges inside Morocco, including rankings tied to human development, peace, fragility, and economic risk. It also notes that the Moroccan passport currently gives access to only 72 countries without complex visa procedures, a factor that can shape migration patterns and opportunities abroad.
While millions of Moroccans live overseas, foreigners inside Morocco remain a very small minority, making up just 0.3% of the population.
French nationals are currently the largest foreign community living in Morocco, with more than 41,000 residents. Algerians come next with over 15,700 people, followed by Spaniards, Syrians, and Tunisians.
The report also recorded 10,609 Moroccan refugees living in different countries around the world.
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