Survey: Almost Half of Moroccans Say Migrants Take Away Jobs from Locals

January 21, 2019//-Almost half (47%) of Moroccans say that migrants take away jobs from locals, and thus the country should not accept any more migrants, according to a latest survey.

The survey conducted by Afrobarometer, a leading pan-African, non-partisan research network that conducts public attitude surveys on democracy, governance, economic conditions, and related issues in African countries, noted that citizens of the North African country are not favour of migrants working there.

Although a majority of Moroccans are in favour of migrants starting businesses that employ nationals, the survey said.

While one-third of Moroccans say refugees, migrants, and other displaced persons should be allowed to live in the country, only a quarter is in favour of more immigrants being allowed into the country, it added.

The study also showed that more than a third of Moroccans have considered emigrating mostly to Europe, in search for jobs.

In the past 15 years, Morocco has become a popular destination for sub-Saharan migrants and refugees from Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Nigeria, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, the Gambia, and Senegal.

Through the country’s national migration and asylum strategy, adopted in 2014, more than 40,000 immigrants have been regularized and integrated into society through access to education, health care, and work.

Key findings

About one-third (36%) of Moroccans say “some” or “many” refugees, migrants, and other displaced persons should be allowed to live in Morocco.

More than half say only “a few” (30%) or “none” (26%) should be allowed in.

Two-thirds (64%) see it as a good thing for an immigrant to start a business that employs nationals.

About four in 10 would welcome an immigrant marrying one of their close relatives (39%) or becoming their neighbour (38%).

But only a quarter (25%) is in favour of “more immigrants coming to live in the country.”

Similarly, four in 10 (43%) think Morocco has enough migrants and should not allow more to enter the country. Three in 10 (31%), on the other hand, say migrants are an economic asset and the country should therefore be more welcoming.

More than one-third (36%) of Moroccans have considered emigrating, including 13% who have given “a lot” of thought to the idea.

The most popular destination for potential emigrants is Europe (68%). Only 1% would prefer moving to another country in Africa.

More than half (53%) of potential emigrants say the most important reason for considering emigration is to find work.

African Eye Report

 

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