Morocco's High Commission for Planning (HCP) has released the first results of its new Labor Force Survey (EMO2026), marking a significant methodological shift in measuring the country's labor market. The survey introduces a combined rate of strict unemployment and time-related underemployment, providing a more comprehensive view of labor underutilization.
According to the HCP, the new combined rate for the first quarter of 2026 stands at 13.5%, compared to the traditional unemployment rate of 12.8%. The survey also reveals that the labor force participation rate is 43.2%, with significant disparities between urban (47.1%) and rural areas (36.8%).
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) remains a challenge at 32.4%, while long-term unemployment (one year or more) accounts for 68.5% of total unemployed. The HCP emphasizes that the new methodology aligns with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards and will allow for better international comparisons.
The EMO2026 survey is based on a sample of 90,000 households and will be conducted quarterly, replacing the previous annual survey. The HCP plans to release more detailed data in the coming months, including breakdowns by region, gender, and educational level.
