Rabat, February 2023 - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Morocco has today launched a new project in Rabat and Tangier targeting populations in vulnerable situations, particularly migrants, and host communities, including women, children, youth, and unaccompanied minors.

The new project - titled "Improving the Protection and Socio-Economic Integration of Migrants in Vulnerable Situations in Morocco" – will be implemented in collaboration with governmental and associative partners with generous funding of USD 151,500 from the Japanese Embassy. 

"Japan and IOM have an important history of cooperation and partnership on migration related projects. Indeed, Japan has been involved in providing assistance and support to Morocco in various sectors, including health.” Said, Ms. Laura Palatini, Chief of Mission of IOM Morocco. “ We are again honoured to have the Government and the people of Japan as a strategic partner to contribute to our collective efforts to improve the protection and socio-economic integration of migrants in vulnerable situations in Morocco.".

Through this project, which will run until January 2024, IOM Morocco, the Embassy of Japan and partners are combining their expertise to strengthen migration management in Morocco. This can be achieved by establishing a strengthened protection system to meet the immediate needs of migrants in terms of health services and assistance in the form of food and non-food items, counselling and identification of the needs of migrant populations living in vulnerable situations. The project will also support services related to the socio-economic integration of migrants through the promotion of employability and income generating activities.

"I am very happy that my country, through IOM, can contribute to the protection and the improvement of the socio-economic integration of vulnerable migrants in Morocco.” Said, HE Mr. Kuramitsu Hideaki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Morocco. “Considering its urgent nature, this project is financed from the Japanese supplementary budget 2022. Japan will always accompany Morocco's efforts to support more the migrants in its territory following the royal high instructions.".

This new initiative responds to the present and important needs of thousands of migrants living in a precarious socio-economic situation. The migratory route taken by thousands of migrants is littered with challenges and dangers such as violence, exploitation and abuse, including human trafficking, forced labor and sexual abuse. Among them, an increasing number of unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) on the move have been observed.

To meet basic needs of the targeted groups in Morocco, this project will complement and support the efforts of the Moroccan Government to provide 1,350 migrants with access to physical and mental health services, direct assistance, employability services and entrepreneurship through income-generating activities.

During the year of project implementation, IOM Morocco will coordinate closely with multiple partners including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice, Entraide Nationale, the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and Skills (ANAPEC), the National Commission for Combating and Preventing Trafficking in Human Beings, and civil society organizations. 

For more information, please contact:
Meryem Massaia : Senior Communication Assistant mmassaia@iom.int