A recent report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees revealed that Morocco hosts around 92 support services for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers across eight regions, underscoring the country’s growing role as both a transit and destination hub.
Most of these services are concentrated in the regions of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Casablanca-Settat and the Oriental region, highlighting the importance of northern border areas, eastern entry points and major urban centers in Morocco’s mixed migration landscape.
The report, conducted in partnership with the International Council for Voluntary Agencies, found that healthcare and psychosocial support are the most widely available services, followed by communication services, support for survivors of gender-based violence, child protection and shelter assistance.
By contrast, access to asylum procedures, legal aid and services for victims of human trafficking remains limited.
The report described Morocco’s service network as geographically widespread but uneven, warning that 23 services have ceased operating, including communication, healthcare, psychosocial support, shelter, child protection, legal aid and gender-based violence support.
According to the report, the closures highlight the fragility of the protection system, particularly in areas where needs are rising while public services and humanitarian organizations face mounting pressure.
UNHCR data also showed that Rabat and Casablanca host large numbers of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, many of whom relocate there in search of jobs, services and stronger community networks.
The report noted that stays in Rabat and Casablanca are becoming longer, reflecting the concentration of services and livelihood opportunities, as well as the role both cities play as possible departure points to Europe.
It also highlighted that support services in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and Casablanca-Settat regions are heavily concentrated in Rabat and Casablanca, which host 13 and 17 services respectively, creating both opportunities and significant limitations.
The Oriental region remains one of Morocco’s main mixed migration hubs, with new arrivals from Sudan, Mali, Chad, Guinea, Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia and Nigeria.
According to UNHCR, Sudanese and Chadian migrants frequently enter through the southern part of the region, particularly near Figuig, Bouarfa and Ain Chair, before continuing toward Errachidia, Casablanca and Rabat.
The report also noted a growing presence of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in southern Morocco, particularly in Agadir and Tan-Tan, warning that many are exposed to exploitation, physical violence and human trafficking during their journeys.
It added that the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region is increasingly serving as both a transit and temporary settlement area for migrants and refugees, including those relocated from coastal and border cities who face limited economic opportunities.
Similarly, the Souss-Massa region has become a transit and temporary settlement area for migrants and refugees seeking work, mainly in agriculture and, to a lesser extent, fishing, tourism and the informal sector.
Meanwhile, the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region remains one of Morocco’s main destinations for migrants and asylum seekers because of its proximity to Europe and the occupied cities of Ceuta and Melilla.
UNHCR noted that the region lacks legal aid services and has limited shelter capacity, with available support focused mainly on victims of gender-based violence, child protection, healthcare, psychosocial care and assistance for victims of human trafficking.