Morocco is a country located in North Africa and is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and diverse economy. For expats looking to work in Morocco, it is important to understand the employment terms and conditions in the country, including working hours, employment rights and benefits, pensions, and retirement age.
What are the working hours in Morocco?
The standard working week in Morocco is 44 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Employees are entitled to a break of at least 30 minutes for every 6 hours worked. Overtime work is allowed, but the maximum number of hours that an employee can work in a week is limited to 48 hours, including overtime.
In certain sectors, such as hospitality and tourism, the working hours may be longer and more irregular. Employers in these sectors are required to compensate their employees for working outside of regular hours and on weekends and holidays.
Breakdown the employment rights and benefits you are entitled to in Morocco?
Employment rights and benefits in Morocco are regulated by the Labor Code. All employees, including expats, are entitled to the same employment rights and benefits as Moroccan nationals. Some of the key rights and benefits include:
1. Minimum wage
The minimum wage in Morocco is 3,000 MAD per month (approximately $330 USD). This is the lowest amount that an employer can legally pay an employee.
2. Paid leave
Employees in Morocco are entitled to paid annual leave, which is calculated based on the number of days worked during the year. The number of days of leave ranges from 18 to 24, depending on the length of service with the employer.
3. Sick leave
Employees are entitled to sick leave for a period of up to 6 months. During this time, the employer is required to pay the employee a percentage of their salary, depending on their length of service.
4. Maternity leave
Female employees are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave, with the option to extend this by an additional 2 weeks in case of complications.
5. Social security
All employees in Morocco are required to contribute to the social security system. This provides benefits such as medical care, disability benefits, and retirement pensions.
Give examples and include information on pensions.
In Morocco, the pension system is managed by the National Social Security Fund (CNSS). Employers and employees are both required to contribute to the fund, with the amount of the contribution determined by the employee’s salary.
Employees in Morocco are entitled to a pension after a certain number of years of contributions. The number of years required varies depending on the type of pension. For example, for a normal retirement pension, an employee must have contributed for at least 10 years. If the employee is disabled or has been involved in a work-related accident, they may be entitled to an early retirement pension.
What types of pensions can expats receive in Morocco?
Expats living and working in Morocco can be eligible for two types of pensions: the first is a state pension and the second is an occupational pension.
State pension
The state pension is provided by the Moroccan Social Security Fund (Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale, CNSS), and it covers employees in the public and private sectors. Employees and their employers must make mandatory contributions to the CNSS, which are calculated as a percentage of the employee’s salary.
To qualify for a state pension, the employee must have contributed to the CNSS for a minimum of ten years. The amount of the pension is based on the average of the employee’s ten best-paid years, with a maximum limit of MAD 10,000 per month (as of 2021). The pension can be paid out as a lump sum or as monthly payments.
Occupational pension
Occupational pensions are provided by private employers and are not mandatory. However, many employers offer this benefit as part of their employment package to attract and retain talent. The occupational pension can be a defined benefit plan, a defined contribution plan, or a hybrid plan.
In a defined benefit plan, the pension amount is based on the employee’s salary and length of service. The employer is responsible for funding the plan and assumes the investment risk.
In a defined contribution plan, the employer and employee make contributions to the plan, and the pension amount is based on the contributions and investment returns. The employee assumes the investment risk.
A hybrid plan combines features of both defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
What is the retirement age in Morocco?
The retirement age in Morocco is 60 years for both men and women. However, the retirement age for some professions, such as teachers, can be lower, with some teachers retiring at the age of 55.
Employees can choose to retire earlier, but they may receive a reduced pension amount. Alternatively, employees can choose to continue working past the retirement age, with no age limit, and receive their full pension amount once they decide to retire.
Conclusion
In conclusion, employment terms and conditions in Morocco are regulated by the labor law, which provides employees with various rights and benefits. The working hours in Morocco are generally 44 hours per week, with a maximum of 10 hours per day. Employees are entitled to paid leave, sick leave, and maternity leave, among other benefits. Expats can be eligible for state pensions and occupational pensions, with the retirement age set at 60 years for both men and women. Understanding employment terms and conditions in Morocco is essential for both employers and employees to ensure compliance with the law and a harmonious working relationship.