Monthly Stipend to Workers in Morocco

Morocco – The Government to Provide a Monthly Stipend to Workers
On 19 March 2020, the Minister of Economy Mohamed Benchaaboun, that Morocco’s national fund for the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is set to pay MAD 2,000 ($203) to all employees affected by the pandemic. The stipend will cover all the employees registered in the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) and whose salaries were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Economic Monitoring Committee announced a series of measures to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic. These measures focus on three main areas:

• Employees
• Small and medium-sized businesses

The employees, who have lost their income, will receive their family allowances and Obligatory Medical Insurance (AMO), in addition to the MAD 2,000 stipend. Moroccan banks will also defer the loan payments for these employees for the next three months. As for employees who are not registered with the CNSS, the technical committee is evaluating the possible assistance measures.

Small and medium businesses will benefit from the deferral of their loan payments until the end of June. The companies will have access to new loans if they are at risk of bankruptcy, along with an exemption from the CNSS contributions.

The businesses with a turnover of less than MAD 20 million ($2.03 million) can defer their tax payments from March to June.

The Government of Morocco has announced a “Health State of Emergency” as part of its emergency measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.  It will remain in effect until April 20.  During this period, movement during the day should be limited to work, shopping, medical care, purchasing medicine/medical supplies, and emergency situations only.  Train and intra-city bus service have been suspended and a curfew has also been put into place.  During the 6 PM to 6 AM curfew, movement restrictions will be strictly enforced. All regularly scheduled commercial flights to and from Morocco are suspended indefinitely.

Due to the emergency, companies whose employees are required to work outside their homes and offices, are required to issue letters of authorization for the employees to work outside.