In Morocco, a significant portion of workers earning the statutory minimum wage (SMIG) face a severe housing affordability crisis. As of 2026, the SMIG stands at approximately 3,000 Moroccan dirhams (MAD) per month in the private sector. However, market rents in major cities like Casablanca and Rabat often range from 1,500 to 2,000 MAD for modest apartments, meaning rent consumes 50% to 70% of a worker's incomeβfar exceeding the internationally recommended threshold of 30%.
This situation has drawn criticism from civil society and opposition figures, who argue that government policies have failed to address the structural imbalance between wages and housing costs. A 2025 report by the Moroccan High Commission for Planning (HCP) indicated that over 40% of urban households spend more than 30% of their income on housing, with low-income earners disproportionately affected.
In response, the Moroccan government has launched several social housing programs, such as "Cities Without Slums" and subsidized housing schemes, but these have been slow to deliver affordable units. The Ministry of Housing has announced plans to build 300,000 social housing units by 2028, yet critics note that the pace of construction and the eligibility criteria often exclude the very workers who need them most.
Economists point to the need for a comprehensive strategy that includes rent control, increased housing supply, and wage adjustments. Without such measures, the dream of decent, affordable housing remains out of reach for many Moroccan workers, undermining social justice and economic stability.
