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Morocco's unemployment rate is generally high, but the government has taken action to decrease the high rates. Overall unemployment currently stands at around 8.6 percent. The worst unemployment appears in urban areas, as high as 31 percent among young urban males.

Jobless benefits have recently been introduced. Authorities set aside 250 million dirhams to enable the new program.

Requirements

To apply for benefits, applicants must:
• Unemployed
• Hold a valid residence permit
• Resident in Morocco
• Physically able to work

To claim the allowance, a laid off worker must be able to prove 780 days' worth of contributions, 216 of which must occur in the year leading up to their dismissal. The employer's contribution is set at 0.38 percent of the company's social contributions. Employees also be expected to make a contribution to fund the allowance.

Benefits

The unemployment benefits are payable for up to six months. Recipients could collect as much as 70 percent of their salary from the preceding three months. Pay outs should not exceed 100 percent of the guaranteed minimum wage, which stands at 2,110 dirhams.

Claimants will continue to receive full social security entitlements, including family allowance and health insurance. Claimants also receive the right to receive help from the National Agency for the Promotion of Work and Skills (ANAPEC) in rejoining the labor market.