The Souss region in southern Morocco has undergone a demographic transformation, shifting from a traditional emigration zone to a destination for sub-Saharan African migrants. According to a report by Liberation, the intensive agriculture in the Chtouka area has attracted thousands of migrants seeking work in the region's greenhouses and farms.
More than 8,000 sub-Saharan migrants now live permanently in Chtouka, a stark change from the past when the region was known for sending workers to Europe. The migrants, primarily from countries like Mali, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, have formed stable communities, with some families settling for years.
Local authorities and NGOs have noted the integration challenges, including access to housing, healthcare, and education. However, the migrants' presence has also brought economic benefits, filling labor shortages in the agricultural sector, which is a key driver of the regional economy.
The phenomenon reflects broader migration trends in Morocco, which has become a transit and destination country for sub-Saharan Africans. The government has implemented regularization campaigns, granting legal status to thousands of migrants, though many remain undocumented.
