Moroccan government approves 15-day paternity leave

The Moroccan government council has approved the bill allowing new fathers to take a 15-day paid leave from work, which resulted from the social dialogue the government held with union heads.

Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas called the move “a historic achievement,” adding that this “only the beginning,” as he acknowledges that “parenting is not only the mother’s job, it is a shared responsibility between both parents.”

This project approved measures and procedures aimed at consecrating the rights related to motherhood and childcare, in line with the contents of International Convention No. 183 regarding the revision of the Maternity Protection Convention adopted by the General Conference of the International Labor Organization at its 88th session, which Morocco ratified on April 13, 2011.

The project aims to install new requirements for the benefit of male employee who have either had a child or who have been assigned a guardian to a child under the age of 14 weeks.

This will enable fathers and male guardians to participate in family life and secure the necessary care for the mother and the newborn. The bill was adopted “in record time,” and is expected to pass through parliament soon for approval.

In regards to rising wheat prices, Baitas stated that Morocco currently has sufficient stock for an additional 4 months, adding that “the prices continue to rise due the Russia-Ukraine conflict but Morocco will keep subsidizing wheat and soft wheat.”

“The amount of subsidies has largely exceeded MAD 100, nearing MAD 200,” said Baitas, assuring that the government will continue to subsidize wheat in the midst of global inflation.

With regards to Moroccans demanding the reintroduction of fuel subsidies, Baitas reminded of the Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget’s statement this week, who called subsidizing fuel “impossible,” saying they would be highly detrimental to the state’s budget.

The Spokesperson was also asked about the Moroccan Ministry of Health’s new protocol for entering the territory, as it recently announced travelers to Morocco can chose between presenting a negative PCR test or a valid vaccine pass.

Baitas said that this decision is the result “of an improving epidemiological situation in the country,” adding it was “a social demand, which the Ministry has now clarified.”