The labour market in Marrakech

Dynamic sectors and wage levels in Marrakech

You need to know that the level of wages in the 'Red City' is much lower than in Europe, for example. However, this only applies to Moroccan companies since French or foreign subsidiaries that are locally established generally inflate wages to attract highly qualified professionals from around the world. In terms of hiring, these companies apply the rule of parity by hiring as many foreigners as Moroccans.

Several sectors are thriving in Marrakech. In general, vacancies are high-responsibility positions because labor is locally available. Job creation is relatively dynamic and concerns sectors such as tourism, trade, technology and communication, distribution and transport. The typical profile which will be much more likely to match the positions offered by companies and hotels located in Marrakech is that of a graduate of higher tourism school or higher business school.

In any case, foreign employees in Morocco are required to submit their employment contracts to the employment service of migrants in the employment department of the Moroccan Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training.

Here are some examples of salaries offered in Marrakech by position and according to the level of experience:

• Secretary / telephone operator: 3,500 - 5,000 Dhs
• Bac 2 beginner computer sector: 5,000 - 6,000 Dhs
• Bac 5: Beginner engineer IT sector: 8000 -10,000 Dhs
• Engineer with five years of experience: 10,800 - 20,300 Dhs
• Engineer with ten years of experience: around 40,000 Dhs
• Beginner Professor in the private sector: 7000 Dhs

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The economy of Marrakech

Marrakech's economy has grown in recent years thanks to the measures put in place by the Moroccan government, like organizing the Aero Expo International Exhibition of aeronautical industries, the International Film Exhibition, and the Riad Art Expo, which make it one of the cities offering most of the business opportunities. Consequently, according to tourism statistics of 2018 released by the Ministry of Tourism, 1.21 million tourists used Marrakech's Menara Airport between first January and July of the same year for professional and touristic reasons.

In addition to tourism, Marrakech is also known for its agricultural vocation. In addition to agriculture, many sectors like industry and handicrafts are the key activities for the regional economy. It is a leader in the export of different products like textiles, leather, carpentry, metalwork, etc. In other words, handicraft is one of Marrakech's economic strengths since it generates substantial income for approximately 40 000 artisans.

Income tax in Marrakech

it is worth noting that Marrakech residents pay a progressive income tax depending on their wages. The rates are as follows:

• Up to 30,000 Dhs: 0%
• 30,001 - 50,000 Dhs: 10%
• 50,000 - 60,000 Dhs: 20%
• 60,000 - 80,000 Dhs: 30%
• 80,000 - 180,000 Dhs: 34%
• 180,000 Dhs or more: 38%

Unemployment in Marrakech

As far as unemployment is concerned, it continues to wreak havoc. To the great despair of young people and graduates, the first to be affected by this phenomenon, there are doubts about the ability of public authorities to eradicate it or, at most, to reduce it in a significant and sustainable way. Year after year, the issue of unemployment remains just as troubling despite the development of a wide range of strategies and programs. The evolution of the unemployment rate is still close to 10% and is likely to get out of hand. However, the unemployment rate in Marrakech remains one of the lowest in the country, at around 7.1%.

To solve this persistent problem, the Kingdom has initiated the National Employment Strategy (SNE) 2015-2025, which targets the promotion of decent employment through increasing the participation of young people and women in the labor market, thus strengthening equality of access to employment and reducing territorial disparities. The main objective of this strategy was to reduce the national unemployment rate to 8.5% by 2021.

Read also The work culture in Marrakesh

Marrakech post Covid-19 crisis 

In mid-May 2022, Morocco reduced its restrictions by removing the requirement for a PCR test for entering the country. Still, a valid medical pass remains necessary. Marrakech, the Kingdom's tourist window on the edge of the High Atlas, is gradually recovering from two consecutive years of restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As the number of vaccinated people is increasing every day, people now feel safe to go out and enjoy the fresh air. As a matter of fact, cafés, souvenir shops, trinket shops, clothing and traditional furniture stalls are now a lot more crowded than during the pandemic. Regarding the work environment, most companies still demand their employees respect the Covid-19 measures, including wearing a mask, distance and hygiene. Besides, the majority of companies have now returned to their office-based work.