Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Morocco offers a diverse and qualified talent pool for companies seeking workforce. However, the recruitment process in this North African country has its specificities that need to be mastered. Here is a detailed guide to help you effectively recruit staff in Morocco, while respecting local legislation and optimizing your chances of finding the best candidates.
Finding Hidden Gems: Recruitment Strategies in Morocco
Recruiting in Morocco requires an approach adapted to the local labor market. Here are the main methods to find the talent your company needs:
Leverage Professional Social Networks
LinkedIn has become essential for recruitment in Morocco, particularly for skilled positions. Many Moroccan professionals are active there and open to opportunities. Post your job offers and use advanced search features to identify relevant profiles.
Rely on Specialized Job Sites
Platforms like Rekrute.com, Emploi.ma, and Bayt.com are very popular among Moroccan job seekers. They will allow you to widely distribute your ads and access a large database of resumes.
Collaborate with Schools and Universities
To recruit recent graduates, establish partnerships with Moroccan higher education institutions. Participate in job fairs and offer internships that could lead to permanent hires.
Use Local Recruitment Agencies
Agencies like Michael Page Morocco or Robert Half have excellent knowledge of the Moroccan job market and can help you identify the best candidates, especially for executive positions.
Utilize Word-of-Mouth
Personal networks remain an important recruitment channel in Morocco. Don’t hesitate to ask your current employees for recommendations.
Good to Know:
Multilingualism is a major asset in Morocco. Many candidates master Arabic, French, and often English, which can be an advantage for international companies.
Protecting Your Future Employees: Moroccan Workers’ Rights
Moroccan labor law grants various protections to employees that are essential for employers to know:
Legal Working Hours
The workweek is set at 44 hours, with a maximum of 10 hours per day. Beyond that, overtime premiums apply.
Paid Leave
Employees are entitled to 1.5 working days of paid leave per month of actual work, i.e., 18 days per year, plus 11 public holidays.
Social Security
Affiliation with the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) is mandatory. It covers sickness, maternity, disability, old age, and death risks.
Minimum Wage
The SMIG (Guaranteed Interprofessional Minimum Wage) is set at 2,828.71 dirhams per month in the industrial and commercial sector in 2025.
Dismissal
Any dismissal must be justified by a valid reason and follow a strict procedure, otherwise it may be considered wrongful.
Good to Know:
Moroccan labor legislation has been modernized in recent years to better protect employees while offering more flexibility to employers. It is crucial to stay informed of regulatory developments.
Simplifying Your Procedures: The Best Recruitment Agencies in Morocco
To save time and benefit from local expertise, using a recruitment agency can be wise. Here are some of the most reputable ones in Morocco:
Michael Page Morocco
A global leader in executive and management recruitment, Michael Page has a strong presence in Morocco. The agency is particularly recognized for senior positions in various sectors.
Adecco Morocco
Specializing in temporary work and permanent recruitment, Adecco covers a wide range of profiles, from unskilled staff to senior executives.
RH Partners Morocco
This firm offers customized recruitment services and stands out for its in-depth knowledge of the Moroccan economic landscape.
Manpower Morocco
Present in Morocco for over 20 years, Manpower offers recruitment solutions tailored to the specific needs of local and international companies.
Rekrute.com
Although primarily a job site, Rekrute also offers personalized recruitment services, benefiting from a large database of qualified candidates.
Good to Know:
When choosing an agency, ensure it has a good understanding of your industry and the corporate culture you seek in your future employees.
Formalizing the Employment Relationship: Main Contracts in Morocco
Moroccan labor law provides for several types of contracts, each suited to specific situations:
Permanent Contract (CDI)
This is the most common and secure form for the employee. It can be concluded verbally, but a written contract is highly recommended.
Fixed-Term Contract (CDD)
Limited to a maximum duration of 1 year, renewable once. It must be written and can only be used in specific cases (replacement, temporary increase in activity, etc.).
Integration Contract
Intended for recent graduates, it allows for a social security contribution exemption for the employer for 24 months.
Apprenticeship Contract
Reserved for young people aged 15 to 30, it alternates theoretical training and practical work in a company.
Temporary Work Contract
Used for specific assignments through a temp agency, its duration cannot exceed 6 months, renewable once.
Good to Know:
All employment contracts must be written in Arabic, with the possibility of a French version. In case of dispute, the Arabic version prevails.
Compiling a Complete File: Essential Documents for Hiring
To formalize the hiring of an employee in Morocco, several documents are required:
From the Employee
– Copy of National Identity Card – Employment certificates from previous jobs – Diplomas and training certificates – Medical certificate of fitness for work – Bank Account Statement (RIB) – Recent ID photo
From the Employer
– Signed employment contract – Hiring declaration to the CNSS – Detailed job description – Company internal regulations – Health insurance enrollment form (if applicable)
Specific Documents for Foreign Workers
– Passport copy – Activity certificate issued by ANAPEC – Employment contract approved by the Ministry of Employment
Good to Know:
The digitalization of administrative procedures in Morocco is progressing rapidly. Many steps can now be completed online, simplifying the hiring process.
From Selection to Integration: The Complete Procedure for Recruiting in Morocco
Here are the key steps to successfully carry out your recruitment in Morocco:
1. Defining the Need
Establish a precise job description, detailing required skills, responsibilities, and working conditions.
2. Distributing the Offer
Publish your ad on appropriate channels (job sites, social networks, recruitment agencies).
3. Preselecting Applications
Analyze received resumes and cover letters to identify the most relevant profiles.
4. Interviews
Organize several rounds of interviews, in person or via video conference, to assess candidates’ technical skills and cultural fit.
5. Tests and Practical Situations
If necessary, submit candidates to practical tests or assessments to verify their abilities.
6. Reference Checks
Contact former employers for feedback on the selected candidate.
7. Job Offer
Formulate a detailed offer, including salary, benefits, and working conditions.
8. Contract Formalization
Draft and have the employment contract signed, ensuring compliance with Moroccan legislation.
9. Administrative Declarations
Complete necessary procedures with the CNSS and other relevant organizations.
10. Integration
Prepare an onboarding program to facilitate the new employee’s integration into your company.
Good to Know:
The probation period in Morocco is 3 months for executives, renewable once, and 1.5 months for other categories of employees, also renewable once.
Conclusion: A Demanding but Promising Process
Recruiting staff in Morocco may seem complex, but it is also an opportunity to access a dynamic and qualified talent pool. By respecting local legislation, adopting good recruitment practices, and seeking assistance if necessary, you will maximize your chances of building a high-performing and motivated team.
Remember that recruitment is only the first step. Integration, continuous training, and the development of your employees will be equally crucial to ensuring your company’s long-term success in Morocco.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
