Morocco: immigration

How many foreigners live in Morocco?

The 2024 census counted 148,152 foreign residents in Morocco, close to 0.4% of the population, according to the High Commission for Planning's analysis of foreign residents, published in November 2025. The number was about 84,000 in 2014 and 51,435 in 2004.

Nationals of sub-Saharan African countries made up 59.9% of foreign residents in 2024, against 26.8% in 2014, with Senegal the largest single nationality. The share from Europe fell from 40% to 20.3%. A census counts people living in the country on census night, so it does not include short-term visitors and may miss some migrants in irregular situations.

Official sources: HCP: Les résidents étrangers au Maroc, RGPH 2024

How much money do Moroccans abroad send home?

Moroccans living abroad sent 89.2 billion dirhams to Morocco in January to August 2026, 9.0% more than in the same period of 2025, according to the Office des Changes monthly indicators for August 2026.

These transfers, known as MRE remittances, are recorded through banks and money transfer operators and form one of the largest sources of foreign currency, alongside tourism receipts. Bank Al-Maghrib expects them to reach 136.3 billion dirhams in 2027. The World Bank puts personal remittances at 7.5% of GDP in 2025.

Official sources: Office des Changes: Indicateurs mensuels, août 2026 (PDF) · Bank Al-Maghrib: Board meeting press release, 22 September 2026 · World Bank: Personal remittances received, % of GDP, Morocco

How many refugees and asylum seekers are there in Morocco?

Morocco hosted 7,304 refugees and 15,033 asylum seekers at the end of 2025, according to the UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. At the end of 2024 the figures were 7,470 refugees and 11,378 asylum seekers.

UNHCR registers refugees and asylum seekers in Morocco. The figures cover only people registered with UNHCR, so they are much smaller than the total number of foreign migrants, which the 2024 census put at 148,152 foreign residents. Asylum seekers are people whose claims have not yet been decided.

Official sources: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder

How many people emigrate from Morocco?

Morocco's net migration was minus 56,254 people in 2025, meaning about 56,000 more people left than arrived, according to World Bank data based on UN population estimates. The figure was minus 46,802 in 2024 and minus 39,650 in 2023.

Net migration is estimated by the UN Population Division rather than counted directly, and it can be revised. Morocco's statistics office, the High Commission for Planning, publishes emigration figures in its migration surveys and census results, and the Office des Changes tracks the money Moroccans abroad send home.

Official sources: World Bank: Net migration, Morocco · High Commission for Planning

What share of Morocco's population are immigrants?

In 2024, the share of people born abroad in Morocco was 0.3%, according to the UN Population Division. It is 21st highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 11.5%. World rank, highest first: 179th of 193.

Are more people leaving Morocco than arriving?

The UN Population Division puts net migration in Morocco at -56,254 in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from -91,217 (2019) to -35,474 (2020). Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: -376; Morocco is 18th highest of 22. Worldwide: 173rd of 193.

How many refugees live in Morocco?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees in the country in Morocco at 7,304 in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2023, at 8,295; its low point was 2005, at 210. It is 14th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 15,377. Of 169 countries with 2025 data, 99th highest.

How many refugees come from Morocco?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Morocco was 10,400 in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 1,290 (2013) to 10,609 (2024). Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 7,322; Morocco is 9th highest of 22. Worldwide: 61st of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Morocco?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 7.5% of GDP. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 8.5% of GDP; its low point was 2019, at 5.4% of GDP. It is 3rd highest of 11 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 0.6% of GDP. Worldwide: 26th of 127.