Rabat – Morocco’s Islamic Affairs Minister Ahmed Toufiq has announced that his ministry is working to improve the financial and social situation of imams, preachers, and religious services.
The minister made his remark in response to a question at the House of Representatives on the financial and social situation of people working under the auspices of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, particularly imams and preachers.
Toufiq said that a budget of MAD 1.093 billion ($118,294 million) will be allocated for this category.
The budget will include financial incentives as well as universal health coverage, with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs intending to carry out the project for a budget estimated at MAD 229 million ($24.784 million).
Last year, Morocco signed a set of agreements to achieve universal health coverage by 2022. The measure is in line with King Mohammed VI’s vision to improve working conditions and alleviate financial pressure on Morocco’s working class.
The ministry also pledged to allocate MAD 110 million ($11.9 million) for the training of imams.
“The value of bonuses devoted to religious officials range between MAD 2,300 ($248) and 2,600 ($281) for imams,” Toufiq said.
Imams who perform other tasks in their communities will receive a bonus ranging between MAD 2,500 ($270) and 3,700 ($400), he announced.
The official also emphasized that 65% of imams, preachers, and religious officials receive support and 35% benefit from housing.
“All people in this category benefit from basic and additional medical coverage as well as social benefits in the event of disability, death, or marriage,” Toufiq added.
