Migration in Morocco: History, Current Trends and Future ... - MGSoG

elonging to their state was seen as a threat to the state’s objectives in encouraging
migration. Finally, from a political perspective, through embassies, consulates, mosques,
and state-created offices for migrants, the Moroccan government actively discouraged
migrants from establishing independent organizations and joining trade unions or
political parties.
Also when they were in Morocco, many immigrants did not perceive that they
were welcome in their own country. There were various types of controls over the
immigrants, and many did not feel that they were protected. Migrants did not trust the
government because there was limited state tolerance of criticism. The immigrants who
explicitly criticized the Moroccan government’s attitude towards the state’s immigrants
were frequently harassed or threatened once they entered Morocco (De Haas, 2007). Such
practices caused alienation instead of binding the Moroccans more to their home country.
Realizing this, in the early 1990s Morocco had to change its attitude toward its
citizens living abroad. In line with Europe’s expectations, naturalization and dual
citizenship issues were dealt with via a more positive approach (CARIM, 2004; De Haas,
2005). Furthermore a ministry for Moroccans residing abroad was created in 1990. In the
same year the Moroccan government established the Foundation Hassan II for Moroccans
Abroad, which aims to foster links between Moroccan migrants and Morocco (De Haas,
2005). This foundation helped migrants in various ways, both in Europe and during
summer holidays in Morocco. The foundation sought to inform and guide migrants on
investment opportunities. With these measurements Morocco was able to find a “balance
between courting and controlling its expatriate populations” (De Haas, 2007).
As a result of this more positive attitude and a more general liberalization of
Moroccan society in general, the Moroccan Diaspora expanded, a considerable increase
in remittances was observed, and protection of emigrant rights were prioritized (De Haas,
2005). One can argue that the encouraging migration policies in Morocco has resulted in
the establishment of Bhagwati’s “Diaspora model”, defined as integrating past and
present citizens into a web of rights and obligations in the extended community with the
home country as the centre (De Haas, 2007)
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