Rabat – Morocco’s job market is rapidly changing, with more people working remotely or through apps like delivery and ride-hailing services.
A new report from the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (ESEC) says that while these new types of work offer flexibility and opportunities, many workers are not protected by labor laws.
Workers involved in similar app-based employment often lack health insurance, retirement benefits, and job security, said the report as it raised serious concerns about their rights and future.
Morocco’s job market is undergoing major changes due to digital technology and artificial intelligence, the council said, adding that these changes became even more common after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The situation creates new ways of working, such as remote jobs, short-term work, and jobs through digital platforms.
Many jobs today are no longer tied to traditional office spaces or fixed hours, the report added, citing jobs like food and parcel delivery through apps, ride-hailing services, online content creation, translation, software development, design, and consulting services.
Some people also work only part-time, sometimes for different employers at the same time, or while studying or managing family responsibilities.
These new forms of work offer several advantages, as they give employers more flexibility in organizing work and finding talent from different regions and backgrounds. They can also reduce costs, increase productivity, improve service quality, and help create jobs.
The report found that the flexibility allows workers to better balance their professional and personal lives. It can also help women, people with disabilities, and older people to find jobs that suit their needs and situations. Remote work also reduces traffic, lowers pressure on public transport, and supports energy efficiency.
Legal and social challenges
Despite these benefits, the council warned of serious risks facing many of these workers, including the lack of clear legal regulations. Many people in these new jobs are not covered by labor laws or protected by contracts.
The report outlined other challenges, such as low and unstable incomes, lack of health insurance and retirement plans, as well as lack of compensation if they lose their job or suffer from work-related illnesses. Some also struggle to separate work from personal time, or to protect their personal data, added the report.
Another concern is the difficulty of joining trade unions or taking part in workplace discussions and decisions. These workers often do not enjoy basic rights guaranteed to others in regular jobs, according to the council.
It explained that Morocco’s current legal system does not reflect the special nature of these new jobs. Many of them rely heavily on digital tools and offer a wide range of flexibility, but laws still focus on old models of full-time, on-site work.
Because of this gap, many workers in these growing sectors do not have access to social protection systems like family allowances, unemployment benefits, or retirement pensions.
The council’s report called on decision makers to put in place new legal and social frameworks to protect workers in the modern job market.
