More than 50% of young Moroccans aged 18 to 29 would like to emigrate to other countries to seek a better future, according to a recent survey by the Arab Barometer.
In fact, about 35% of Morocco’s total population has considered leaving the country in search of better prospects, the survey indicates.
The survey results reflect historical trends in the MENA region, where economic challenges and political instability have driven many to look elsewhere for a brighter future.
The news comes at a time when unemployment in Morocco has reached an all-time high of 13%, with women and youth being the hardest hit.
The survey results show similar feelings across the MENA region, with Tunisia having the highest rate of dissatisfaction.
Over 70% of Tunisian youth and 46% of the overall population have expressed a desire to emigrate.
In both Lebanon and Jordan, more than half of young people would like to leave (58% and 54% respectively).
Surprisingly, the rate is significantly lower in war-torn Palestine at 35%. Similarly, only 27% of young people in Mauritania and Kuwait want to leave.
Kuwait, in particular, stands out: only 16% of its total population has considered emigrating.
While Morocco’s numbers remain consistent with previous surveys, they echo a regional pattern where the desire to leave has persisted or even increased over the past decade.
Economic difficulties, unemployment, and political uncertainty continue to push young people to look for opportunities abroad, fueling concerns about a potential “brain drain” in countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, and Lebanon.