“We’ve Had Enough”: Moroccan Immigrants Protest With Their Absence

Rising airfare, political frustration, and lack of confidence in public services push thousands of Moroccan immigrants to skip summer visits home

By El Mostafa Ouchen | Rabat / Paris / Amsterdam / Montréal

RABAT – For decades, summer in Morocco has been defined by a vibrant homecoming ritual: airports buzzing with arrivals, highways jammed with rental cars, and families embracing across generations. But in 2025, that emotional annual migration is faltering. From Paris to Toronto, Brussels to Barcelona, Moroccan immigrants are increasingly choosing not to return home this summer.

“This is the first time in 18 years I won’t be going back,” said Amina M., a nurse living in Lille, France. “It’s not just the price — it’s the feeling that Morocco has turned its back on people like us.”

🚫 Soaring Costs and Systemic Barriers

At the heart of the no-return movement lies economic hardship. Roundtrip flights from Europe to Morocco have nearly doubled in price this year. In early July, economy tickets from Brussels to Casablanca were selling for €780 to €1,200, compared to €300–€400 last year.

Meanwhile, ferry operators from Spain to Tangier raised rates by over 45%, citing fuel costs and seasonal demand. For a family of five traveling by car, the total cost can now exceed €2,500, even before accommodations, gifts, or travel within Morocco.

“The bled has become luxury,” joked Karim Belkadi, a Moroccan living in Rotterdam. “We work all year, and we’re punished for wanting to visit our parents.”

🗺️ Deeper Discontent: Bureaucracy, Corruption, and Lack of Change

Beyond financial concerns, emotional and political fatigue is a powerful factor. Many Moroccan expatriates say they feel ignored, or even exploited, by a system that praises their remittances but disregards their concerns.

Issues cited include:

• Customs harassment at border points
• Corruption in port and airport inspections
• Poor infrastructure and medical access in rural hometowns
• Lack of legal recognition for diaspora contributions or dual nationality rights

“We send billions in remittances, but what do we get? Broken roads and disrespect at the border,” said Samira El-Haddadi, a Moroccan-Canadian based in Montreal.

According to Bank Al-Maghrib, Moroccans abroad sent MAD 100 billion ($10B USD) in remittances last year — a record sum — making them the country’s top source of foreign currency.

Yet many say their loyalty is wearing thin.

👥 The Silent Boycott — and Its Consequences

Online, the movement is growing under hashtags like #MREBoycott2025, #BladiBghatniFlouss, and #StayHomeThisSummer. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are filled with Moroccan immigrants urging others to “make a statement” by not returning.

Economists warn the absence of diaspora spending will impact:

• Local tourism
• Rural economies
• Seasonal employment in service sectors

“The Moroccan diaspora are not just tourists. They are cultural and economic lifelines,” said Dr. Nour El Bakkali, a migration policy expert at Hassan II University. “Ignoring their grievances is a strategic error.”

⏳ Will Things Change?

So far, officials have responded with silence or defensiveness. An attempt by the Ministry of Moroccans Residing Abroad to address the concerns was met with mockery after it launched an “Appreciate Your Homeland” campaign on Instagram — with comments disabled.

Back in France, Amina M. summarized the sentiment best:

“We love Morocco. But this summer, love is not enough.”