Morocco has embarked on significant reforms aimed at strengthening labor protections and enhancing the capabilities of labor inspectors. Following the Royal commitment to ensuring social protection, labor inspectors have become key players, weekly advocating for workers’ rights. Hicham Sabiry, Secretary of State for Employment, underscored this transformation, stating, “Labor inspection is one of the key mechanisms to uphold the dignity of citizens, combat social precariousness, and improve Moroccans' living conditions.”
The role of labor inspectors has expanded beyond basic oversight to enforcing comprehensive social legislation. Their main responsibilities now include ensuring businesses are registered with the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) and are compliant with labor laws. Sabiry revealed, “During the first nine months of 2024, labor inspectors issued 7,219 observations relating to social security compliance, 590 concerning company registrations, and 5,048 related to employee registrations.”
This enforcement is pivotal not only for maintaining social peace but also for fostering constructive workplace relationships and improving health and safety standards across industries. The substantial increase of 52,580 inspections carried out last year emphasizes the growing need to optimize the inspection process amid rising workloads and complex regulations.
To bolster these efforts, the Moroccan government has initiated extensive modernization of the labor inspection framework. A new integrated information system named “Choghlcom” has been introduced, streamlining inspection activities and facilitating data sharing among departments. “This digital transformation will enable labor inspectors to be more responsive,” Sabiry noted. Additional provisions such as equipping inspectors with electronic tablets are expected to expedite on-site inspections.
Significantly, the government is also focusing on enhancing the workforce’s capacity. Over the past five years, 262 new inspectors were recruited, raising the total number to 596. Despite this improvement, experts argue more staff are needed to effectively manage the increasing volume of inspections and disputes. The mounting pressures on inspectors are evident as they processed nearly half a million observations last year, including over 124,000 related to wages.
Training and continuous improvement have also become focal points for the Ministry of Employment. According to Sabiry, “We place strategic importance on training to cultivate our human resources.” Newly hired inspectors completed intensive training modules covering sector-specific skills and interpersonal competencies. Plans for a multi-year training program are also underway to equip inspectors with the necessary tools to adapt to the rapidly changing labor market dynamics.
At the heart of these reforms lies the establishment of open dialogue between the government and labor representatives. The ministry has begun comprehensive consultations to review and potentially revise the status of labor inspectors, enhancing their operational effectiveness and job security. “Our goal is to create ambitious laws reflecting the needs and aspirations of our workforce,” mentioned Sabiry during discussions.
Addressing the informal sector remains another urgent priority. With approximately 30% of the active population working without social security, the government is actively pursuing strategies to regulate this portion of the labor market. The introduction of a new electronic reporting platform allows workers to report violations such as non-declaration to the CNSS securely.
The significance of this platform cannot be overstated. By centralizing complaints, it aims to speed up the regularization process for informal workers. The Ministry states, “This initiative is part of our broader strategy to promote social inclusion and formalize labor markets.” The platform not only serves to document issues but also acts as a protective measure for workers who previously lacked recourse.
Nevertheless, for the platform to succeed, adequate protective measures must be established to shield whistleblowers from retaliation. “Guaranteeing anonymity and confidentiality is pivotal to encouraging the utilization of the platform,” emphasized ministry officials. Despite the potential benefits, concerns persist about the readiness of the labor inspection workforce to respond effectively to the anticipated influx of reports. Currently, the number of labor inspectors is deemed insufficient for the growing needs of the Moroccan labor market.
To truly realize the potential of the reporting platform, the government recognizes the need for increased resources and training to support inspectors. A national awareness campaign is also planned to inform the workforce about the platform and its protections, ensuring they feel secure when reporting violations. Collaboration with labor unions and civil society organizations will be instrumental. The ministry acknowledges this cooperation as integral to effectively communicating workers' rights and defending their interests.
Overall, the Moroccan Ministry of Employment is making significant strides toward fortifying labor protections and addressing issues of informality through comprehensive reforms and innovative solutions. By granting workers the tools to assert their rights and ensuring labor inspectors have the support they need, Morocco aims for more equitable labor relations, fostering both social justice and economic resilience.
